- 234
A Dutch colonial gold mounted sandalwood box 18th century, possibly Ceylonese
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- fruitwood, gold
- 9.5cm. high, 24cm. wide, 17.5cm. deep; 4in., 9½in., 7in.
the monogrammed lid open to reveal an interior with a lidded till
Literature
Photographed in the Red Drawing Room, Crewe House, London, circa 1937.
Condition
A lovely object in 'country house' condition. The top and underside with notable age crack which appear to have signs of old restoration. Some of the gold mounts are loose and will need to be re-pinned. Minor old marks and scratches consistent with age and use.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
This box is an exquisite container for sihir, or betel, a chewable leaf used in India and Southeast Asia. This habit of chewing betel was quickly assimilated in the Dutch colonies and produced in Sri Lanka and Batavia. Similar boxes are illustrated in Jan Veeendaal, Furniture from Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India during the Dutch Period, 1985, where the author mentions that the majority had silver mounts but “there must have been more valuable boxes, because by decree of the governor-general Jacob Mossel in 1754, only the wives and widows of a governor-general, director-general, raad van India or president of the Justice Council, were allowed to use golden or gold and silver betelboxes adorned with precious stones”. The present lot, with its gold mounts of delicate design and monogram, was therefore produced for an elite member of one of the Asian Dutch colonies.