Anglo-Indian Ebony, Porcupine Quill and Parquetry Keepsake Box
Anglo-Indian Ebony, Porcupine Quill and Parquetry Keepsake Box
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Additional Description:
A striking Anglo-Indian decorative keepsake box crafted in ebonized wood and richly embellished with inset porcupine quill decoration, bone-style dot inlay, and geometric parquetry work. The lid features a central checkerboard parquetry panel framed by mitered borders and repetitive pale inset studs. Surrounding the lid and sides are tightly arranged porcupine quills in alternating natural and dark-toned bands, creating dramatic linear texture and visual contrast against the dark ebonized framework.
The box opens to reveal a vivid crimson velvet-lined interior with an embossed wave-pattern textile lining throughout both the lid and base compartment. The piece retains its brass hinges, lock escutcheon, and small key. The combination of porcupine quill ornamentation and geometric Anglo-Indian styling gives the box a highly sculptural and tactile appearance associated with colonial export luxury wares.
Era:
Late 19th to early 20th century.
History:
Porcupine quill-inlaid objects were produced in parts of India and Sri Lanka during the colonial period for both local elite use and export to the European market. These works became especially popular in the 19th century among British travelers and collectors drawn to exotic materials and highly decorative craftsmanship.
Artisans incorporated dyed and natural quills into boxes, writing slopes, tea caddies, and furniture accents, often pairing them with ebony or ebonized woods and geometric inlay. The visual effect created by the alternating quill bands was prized for its texture, rarity, and unusual materiality.
Provenance:
Likely Anglo-Indian or Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) colonial export work; exact workshop unknown.
Materials:
Ebonized wood, porcupine quills, wood parquetry veneer, inset bone or composite inlay studs, brass hardware, velvet lining, and metal key.
Dimensions:
8.25” W x 6.25” D x 3.25” H.
Disclaimers:
Antique condition with age-related wear throughout including surface scratches, finish wear, small veneer irregularities, scattered losses or minor lifting to quill elements, wear to interior lining, oxidation to brass hardware, and general signs of age and use. Interior lining may be later or refreshed. Key present; lock functionality not guaranteed long term.
Additional Description:
A striking Anglo-Indian decorative keepsake box crafted in ebonized wood and richly embellished with inset porcupine quill decoration, bone-style dot inlay, and geometric parquetry work. The lid features a central checkerboard parquetry panel framed by mitered borders and repetitive pale inset studs. Surrounding the lid and sides are tightly arranged porcupine quills in alternating natural and dark-toned bands, creating dramatic linear texture and visual contrast against the dark ebonized framework.
The box opens to reveal a vivid crimson velvet-lined interior with an embossed wave-pattern textile lining throughout both the lid and base compartment. The piece retains its brass hinges, lock escutcheon, and small key. The combination of porcupine quill ornamentation and geometric Anglo-Indian styling gives the box a highly sculptural and tactile appearance associated with colonial export luxury wares.
Era:
Late 19th to early 20th century.
History:
Porcupine quill-inlaid objects were produced in parts of India and Sri Lanka during the colonial period for both local elite use and export to the European market. These works became especially popular in the 19th century among British travelers and collectors drawn to exotic materials and highly decorative craftsmanship.
Artisans incorporated dyed and natural quills into boxes, writing slopes, tea caddies, and furniture accents, often pairing them with ebony or ebonized woods and geometric inlay. The visual effect created by the alternating quill bands was prized for its texture, rarity, and unusual materiality.
Provenance:
Likely Anglo-Indian or Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) colonial export work; exact workshop unknown.
Materials:
Ebonized wood, porcupine quills, wood parquetry veneer, inset bone or composite inlay studs, brass hardware, velvet lining, and metal key.
Dimensions:
8.25” W x 6.25” D x 3.25” H.
Disclaimers:
Antique condition with age-related wear throughout including surface scratches, finish wear, small veneer irregularities, scattered losses or minor lifting to quill elements, wear to interior lining, oxidation to brass hardware, and general signs of age and use. Interior lining may be later or refreshed. Key present; lock functionality not guaranteed long term.