Skip to main content

Bone Decorative Boxes

to
23
211
68
1
24
80
107
69
38
20
32
7
1
3
1
1
2
6
10
10
19
17
15
8
6
5
4
3
3
2
2
2
1
2,783
3,791
3,144
1,173
1,017
209
50
128
94
59
54
38
Height
to
Width
to
280
255
257
5
5
2
2
2
Material: Bone
Art Deco Shagreen and Bone Trimmed Box
Located in Queens, NY
English Art Deco green shagreen and bone trimmed box with a wood lining in the interior
Category

20th Century British Art Deco Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

American Contemporary Faux Bone Decorative Box
Located in Queens, NY
American Contemporary (1970s) faux bone tesselated decorative rectangular box with a horizontal pattern of silver rods going across top and resting on 4 ball feet
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

Black and White Stripe Lidded Bone Box, India, Contemporary
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary Indian black and white stripe bone box. Hinged lid. White with inlaid black strips. Part of a large collection of bone boxes and trays
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

Hispano-Moresque Mudéjar Bone-Inlaid Walnut Chest
 - Spain, 16th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Hispano-Moresque Mudéjar Bone-Inlaid Walnut Chest
 Spain, 16th–17th century 
Walnut, bone inlay, iron fittings
 44.5 × 30.5 × 18 cm This rectangular walnut chest, richly ornamented ...
Category

16th Century Spanish Renaissance Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Walnut

19th Century Chinoiserie Sewing Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice condition for its age. Does not have key. Has original sewing box utensils inside - spools, etc.
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood, Lacquer

Vintage Regency Petite Two Chamber Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exuding the quiet elegance of the Georgian era, this exquisite antique box is a miniature treasure of 19th-century craftsmanship. The piece is masterfully crafted from a rich, beauti...
Category

Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Mahogany

Hand Made Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Steam pressed decorative, dimensional horn tiled keepsake/desk box - a great addition to any dresser or book shelf.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Horn, Wood

Vintage Boho Tessellated Stone Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage octagonal box features an exquisite tessellated bone inlay design, exuding a chic bohemian aesthetic with a touch of global influence. The alternating black and...
Category

Late 20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Brass

Mexican Tortoiseshell and Pen-Engraved Cabinet
Located in Mexico, DF
Mexican cabinet. Made of tortoiseshell, pen-engraved and wood. Possible Oaxaca or Puebla, 17th century.
Category

17th Century North American Spanish Colonial Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Tortoise Shell

Antique Vizagapatam India Table Box Ebonized Wood Bone Carvings
Located in Forney, TX
Vizagapatam box, India, 19th century. This highly decorative and unusual Anglo-Indian table box features rustic workmanship that adds to the character and charm of this unique Sout...
Category

19th Century Indian Anglo Raj Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

Anglo-Indian 19th century black patinated, Bone and Oak box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very wonderful and most attractive Anglo-Indian 19th century black patinated, Bone and Oak box. This unique rectangular box made of veneered blocks of Bone is supported on four squ...
Category

19th Century North American Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

Anglo-Indian 19th century black patinated, Bone and Oak box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful and most charming Anglo-Indian 19th century black patinated, Bone and Oak box. This lovely rectangular box is supported on four squared feet in each corner. The front sid...
Category

19th Century Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

Small Selene Box by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Selene Box by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 15 x W 22 x H 4 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn, brass. Rectangular box in horn and wood with lacquered ivory gloss finish. Lid in wood ...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Fine 17th Century Dutch Colonial Armorial Tortoiseshell Silver Box, Dated 1691
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A dutch tortoiseshell box with two engraved silver plaques Amsterdam, 1691, with maker's mark of Steven des Rousseaux (1654-1733) H. 5 cm Diam. 12.5 cm Note: Steven des ...
Category

17th Century Dutch Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Anglo Indian Inlaid Mosaic Box With Drop Front and Drawers
Located in Stamford, CT
19th Century Anglo Indian fall front box with six drawers with metal pulls. The exterior and interior inlaid throughout with bone and various woods. Intricate geometric designs cover...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Fruitwood, Holly

Tessellated Horn and Cedar Wood Box
Located in San Diego, CA
A very well crafted tessellated Horn cedar wood box, circa 1980s. The piece is very heavy and solid and measures 6.375"W x 4.5"D x 3.5"H. #3772
Category

Late 20th Century North American Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Horn, Cedar

Very Decorative Vizagapatam Box INDIA 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
VERY DECORATIVE VIZAGAPATAM BOX Vizagapatam, India, 19th Century. Rustic workmanship will only add to the decorative appeal of this Anglo-Indian footed domed casket in ebonized woo...
Category

19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

Fabulous Indian Box
Located in Tampa, FL
Fabulous Indian box made of bone and pierced brass with a wood bottom.A very nice design. Turn of the century, India.
Category

Early 1900s Indian Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

19th Century Chinoiserie Sewing Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great condition for its age. No major losses or damage. Has original sewing pieces inside.
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood, Lacquer, Paint

Maitland Smith Mother Of Pearl Box
Located in Tampa, FL
A Maitland Smith mid century box made of bone with a pearwood interior. American, circa 1970s.
Category

1970s American Vintage Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Pearwood

18th century Dutch-Colonial ‘Vizagapatam’ pen-engraved bone inlaid ebony box
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A large Indian Colonial ‘Vizagapatam’ pen-engraved bone inlaid ebony box Masulipatnam or Vizagapatam, 2nd half 18th century H. 10.8 x W. 47 x D. 34 cm ...
Category

Late 18th Century Indian Dutch Colonial Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Ebony

Tortoise Shell Glove Box and Basket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Victorian silver plate and tortoiseshell basket. And tortoiseshell glove box. The box measures 1.5 inches H x 10.5 inches W x 2 inches D.
Category

Early 20th Century English Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Tortoise Shell

White Bone Box, India, Contemporary
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary India white camel bone box. Rectangular shaped tiles with slightly raised pyramid shaped top.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

Anglo Indian Inlaid Work Box
Located in Tampa, FL
An anglo Indian workbox made of ebony. The tray lifts up from the box on the lid which is also inlaid in ivory and ebony and has a bone round disc that is signed New Bedford 1810. Th...
Category

1810s Indian Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Ivory, Ebony

Tortoise Shell Decorative Box with Paw Feet. Tortoise Shell With Bun Feet.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Tortoise shell decorative box with bun feet. We have other tortoise boxes similar in form that would be a lovely collection. Feel free to call or email with questions. Priced per b...
Category

19th Century English Anglo-Indian Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Tortoise Shell

Maitland Smith Bone And Satinwood Box 1970s
Located in Tampa, FL
This exquisite Maitland Smith box showcases a striking bone inlaid design on rich satinwood, with meticulously carved out square patterns that create a visually dynamic effect. Craft...
Category

1970s American Vintage Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Satinwood

Antique Edward Souter Barnsley Co. Sterling Silver Tortoiseshell Powder Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
An 1894 antique Edward Souter Barnsley & Co. sterling silver and tortoiseshell powder box decorated with a silver laurel leaf and bow inset to...
Category

19th Century Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

A highly refined Dutch-colonial Sri Lankan inlaid box with silver mounts
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Galle district, 18th century The box is made of amboyna burr with inlays of ebony, bone and burr wood and has several interior compartments, all made with the utmost attention to de...
Category

18th Century Sri Lankan Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Ebony, Amboyna

Pair of Victorian English Horn Card Carrying Cases
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely pair of antique Victorian 19th Century Horn card cases. Beautifully grained these antique pieces were descended from the same family estate. The first has a flip top that re...
Category

19th Century British Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Horn

Antique French Bronze Dore Portrait Box
Located in Tampa, FL
A strikingly beautiful French dore bronze box is all engraved with an ivory picture of an aristocrat, LeBron. The box is heavily chased with a velvet i...
Category

1890s French Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

A large Edwardian shaped rectangular silver and tortoiseshell piqué box
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A large Edwardian shaped rectangular silver and tortoiseshell piqué box, the hinged lid with a dainty basket suspended from a bow with long ribbons entwined with flowering tendrils, ...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Antique Georgian Amboyna Sewing Box
By William Dobson
Located in Northampton, GB
Veneered in Amboyna Wood From our Sewing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Amboyna Sewing Box. The Sewing Box of rectangular shape veneered in Amboyna with a circular mo...
Category

Early 19th Century English William IV Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Shell, Amboyna

Cigar Box for Decoration, or Desk Box in Wood, Art Deco, France, 1940
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This box is from France. It has been made in 1940, it is an art Deco Item. The box is in wood. It is a cigar box but It can be used as a docorative box...
Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood, Bone

Rare Antique Miniature BOX Hand-Painted Multi Music Figure Jewlery Box Gold
Located in Wembley, GB
This is a finely hand-painted West Asian miniature artwork on a ceramic/porcelain box, probably made of leg plates, framed, and painted. The work features an extremely fine painting ...
Category

Early 1900s West Asian Hollywood Regency Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Marble, Gold

1920s Wooden Box
Located in Tampa, FL
A round wooden box from India. Might be some type of exotic rosewood. Circa 1920s, maybe a little earlier. Box with six ivory dots on lid, ivory feet and finial.
Category

1920s Indian Vintage Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ivory, Rosewood

Horn Mosaic Decorative Jewelry Cigarette Box Art Deco Modernist Style
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This elegant decorative box showcases a striking geometric mosaic design crafted from natural horn, creating a sophisticated Art Deco meets Modernist aesthetic. The box features a se...
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Horn

Vintage White Mosaic Moorish Jewelry Box with Shell Inlaid
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Discover the timeless elegance of this large, handcrafted Middle Eastern Lebanese jewelry box, a stunning testament to traditional artistry. Meticul...
Category

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Islamic Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Shell, Fruitwood

19C Anglo Ceylonese Lap Desk of Museum Quality
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting an absolutely fantastic 19C Anglo Ceylonese lap desk of museum quality. We can safely say that this is one of the finest lap desks we hav...
Category

Early 19th Century Sri Lankan Anglo-Indian Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Ebony, Sandalwood

Tessellated Horn Dresser Boxes by Enrique Garcel, Colombia
Located in Chicago, IL
Tessellated Horn Dresser Boxes by Enrique Garcel, Colombia. Pair is in excellent original condition. Both have brass trim. Smaller bowl sits inside large bowl. Large measures 6.75...
Category

1960s Colombian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Onyx Shagreen and Macassar Ebony Box with Bone Inlay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. A study in subtle opulence, this artisan-crafted decorative box is wra...
Category

2010s Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stainless Steel

Moorish Islamic Mughal Raj Decorative Vizagapatam Carved Bone Jewelry Box India
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Decorative Mughal Raj Vizagapatam Carved Veneered Bone Jewelry Rectangular shape Box. Vintage Asian lidded box crafted with bone finely engraved and hand painted in black with geometric Moorish designs. Delightful Anglo Indian footed box crafted with an intricate patterned polished bone inlay mosaic over a wood frame. Handmade in Vizagapatam, India, mid 20th century. Elegant intricate pattern. A true work of Islamic artwork...
Category

Late 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

Rare Antique Hand-Painted Miniature BOX Multi Music Figure Jewlery Box Gold
Located in Wembley, GB
This is a finely hand-painted West Asian miniature artwork on a ceramic/porcelain box, probably made of leg plates, framed, and painted. The work features an extremely fine painting ...
Category

Early 1900s West Asian Hollywood Regency Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Marble, Gold

19th Century Georgian Octagonal Box With Penwork Decoration
Located in Charlottesville, VA
19th century Georgian box in an octagonal form, featuring delicate penwork decoration on the lid with a central portrait medallion and floral motifs. The interior is fitted with a re...
Category

19th Century British Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

Indian "Bombay" Box w/Sadeli Work Framing Carved Panels and Raised on Metal Feet
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Indian "Bombay" dresser/jewelry box with a mirror in the lid and raised on a "tray" base with silvered feet. The exterior with exotic wood and sadeli work (micro-mosaic inlay) framin...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Shell, Wood

19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Teak Sadeli Mosaic Inlaid Sewing Box
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Inlaid Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India, circa 1880. The box is made of sandalwood with highly carved raised teak wood panels on all sides, depicting temple scenes, animals and foliage. The box is in a sarcophagus form. It is edged in bone (and we can tell it is bone and not ivory, from the color and evidence of capillaries, which are not found in ivory), and banded with Bombay Sadeli mosaic and ebony veneer. The lid opens to reveal a removable tray with various open compartments and lidded compartments. 5 lidded compartments, 1 unlidded compartment and 8 holders for thimbles, etc The tray lifts to reveal a blue velvet (original) lined section, for storing jewelry etc, with sections for collars etc. The inside of the lid has a removable mirror (the mirror is missing on this one but can easily be replaced). Behind the mirror is the original green velvet lining. It has its original brass carry handles on the sides and sits on 4 silvered button feet (of recent origin). Some repairs to the exterior and condition issues (priced accordingly), but still a LOVELY COLLECTIBLE box! These boxes were made by superb Indian craftsmen, specifically for sale to the ruling British elite. These types of boxes, carved padouk and sandalwood, (whilst beautiful and superbly crafted) were of a lesser quality, than the more profusely and intricately mosaic inlay, tortoiseshell and ivory boxes, made for the British ‘Upper Classes’ in the areas of Bombay and Vizagapatam. These type of boxes were much more affordable back in 1880 (and indeed today) and would probably have been bought by mid-level diplomats, civil servants or visitors. Sewing boxes (in general), were in EVERY Victorian home in Britain in the 19th century and like other boxes etc were ‘status symbols’ of your place in society! The more ornate the box, the more ‘Upper Class’ you were! SADELI MOSAIC: “Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins. The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials. Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and Horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color. The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, Horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched. The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design. On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent. The earliest Sadeli boxes...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Sandalwood, Teak

Maitland Smith Tessellated Horn and Penshell Jewelry Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Maitland Smith tessellated polished horn and penshell jewelry box with brass trim.
Category

1980s Philippine Hollywood Regency Vintage Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Horn

Vintage Maitland Smith Black and White Box
Located in Tampa, FL
A striking vintage Maitland Smith box from the early 1970s, crafted in a bold black and white bone mosaic. The graphic contrast and clean lines showcase the brand’s signature craftsm...
Category

1970s American Vintage Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

19c Anglo Indian Highly Carved Teak and Sandalwood Sarcophagus Sewing Box
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A VERY NICE 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Teak and Sandalwood Sarcophagus Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India circa 1890-1900. The box case/body is made of sandalwood wit...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Sandalwood, Teak

Decorative Italian Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous decorative box made of bone and wood, Italy 1960s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

Japanese a pair of finely carved cuff links with opposing faces
Located in Norton, MA
Japanese a pair of finely carved cuff links with opposing faces Dimension: Size: 3cm Condition: Excellent Condition, no damage.
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

Hollywood Regency Tessellated Box Or Chest
Located in Houston, TX
Hollywood Regency Tessellated Box Or Chest. This charming vintage tessellated box or tabletop chest would make a lovely jewelry box or decorative table box.
Category

1970s Unknown Hollywood Regency Vintage Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

Antique Anglo Indian Tortoise and Bone Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout exotic Anglo Indian lidded box handcrafted in mahogany and clad in tortoise shell with applied lacy bone designs inscribed and painted with flowers. The interior has a mirro...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Tortoise Shell, Mirror, Mahogany

Handsome Very Large Glossy Horn Box with Brass Inlay and Ball Feet
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Handsome authentic horn box with brass inlay and ball feet with coloration like tortoise shell.
Category

1950s North American Vintage Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Striking Pair of Tessellated Bone Decorative Lidded Boxes
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Striking pair of tessellated bone decorative boxes having wonderful unusual shape, black ink embellishments with birds and foliage against creamy beige and white background. Lids co...
Category

1980s Indian Vintage Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Sarcophagus Sewing Box
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A GORGEOUS 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Sarcophagus Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India circa 1860-80. Box made of sandalwood with highly carved teak wood reliefs and panels on all sides. Edged with bone and ebony veneers and glorious sadeli mosaic, made from tiny pieces of faux ivory, pewter, green semi-precious stone. The box is in a sarcophagus form with domed lid. The original brass carry handles are on the sides. The interior is in great condition and consists of a removeable mirror under the lid portion, with the original red velvet lining behind it. The base is removeable and contains a number of lidded compartments. 6 of the interior lids on the base, are each inlaid with sadeli mosaic banding. The rest are also carved and chased. The interior is fully complete with 7 lidded faux ivory/bone, thread canisters with sadeli domes and the original bone thimble. The box sits on 4 brass ball or bun feet with the original velvet lining on the base. Some minor repairs and losses, but this box is fully complete. This is ‘rare’ as many of these boxes have not survived in such condition! Included in the sale are 2 photos that were in the box (under the base tray). Interestingly, one of them is a view of downtown Nassau, New Providence (Bermuda) from the early 20C and stamped on the rear. What a ‘journey’ this piece has made! Made in India … travelled to Bermuda, probably via Britain … back to Ireland (where we bought it) …. then to Texas! These boxes were made by superb Indian craftsmen, specifically for sale to the ruling British elite. These types of boxes, carved padouk and sandalwood, (whilst beautiful and superbly crafted) were of a lesser quality, than the more profusely and intricately mosaic inlay, tortoiseshell and ivory boxes, made for the British ‘Upper Classes’ in the areas of Bombay and Vizagapatam. These type of boxes were much more affordable back in 1880 (and indeed today) and would probably have been bought by mid-level diplomats, civil servants or visitors. Sewing boxes (in general), were in EVERY Victorian home in Britain in the 19th Century and like other boxes etc were ‘status symbols’ of your place in society! The more ornate the box, the more ‘Upper Class’ you were! Of it’s type, this one, is one of the very higher quality one’s, than the norm! SADELI MOSAIC: “Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins. The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials. Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color. The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched. The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design. On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent. The earliest Sadeli boxes...
Category

19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Sandalwood, Teak

Natural, Grey Oblong Inlay Box
Located in New York, NY
Handmade natural bone box inlaid with grey bone oblong segments, lined in wood. A great storage solution for your desk or coffee table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

Japanese Carved Bone Woven Basket Inro, early 20th Century
Located in Norton, MA
Intricately carved inro in the form of a woven basket. Quality craftsmanship. Opens into two pieces, held together with a rust-red silk string. Made of nat...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

Anglo-Indian Rosewood Writing Desk, India, circa 1825
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Elegant and finely crafted rosewood and ivory inlay traveller's writing desk from the late Mughal period of British India (circa 1825), on low bun feet. In excellent condition, with ...
Category

1820s Indian Islamic Antique Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ivory, Rosewood

Navy Blue Shagreen Macassar Ebony Box with Bone Inlay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. A study in subtle opulence, this artisan-crafted decorative box is wr...
Category

2010s Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stainless Steel

Scandinavian Modern Cigar Box by Knud Albert, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Along with Alfred Klitgaard Knud Albert is regarded as one of the most prolific wood artist of the 1960s. Although KA is mostly known for his strange moder...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Bone Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

Recently Viewed

View All