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Antique Anglo-Indian Boxes
Collectible Culture from the British Raj'
Vizagapatam The ivory and wood craft industry of north east India dates back to the time when the Nawabs of Bengal had their court at Murshidabad. As this industry was fully dependent for its prosperity on the support of a luxurious court and wealthy noblemen, it had to face a crisis when the Nawabs lost their power and their court disappeared. During the early part of British rule, the ivory carvers of Murshidabad were also praised by colonial powers and found some amount of patronage.
Because the artisans of Vizagapatam had such illustious patrons, the preparation of a wooden box was considered to be just the starting point. It had to decorated, usually 100%, with rich and complex veneers which included sandalwood, ebony, ivory, horn, tortoiseshell, porcupine quills and occasionaly sadeli roundels and strips.
Made by Sivakoti Chandryya in Maharaja’s workshop Vizag c.1880
