Of richly patinated solid ebony, the rectangular box with a domed, hinged lid, profusely carved throughout with rosettes, scrolling foliage, stylised flowering plants, and geometric zig-zag borders. The front is arranged with a series of pointed-arch panels enclosing floral sprays, centred by a lock aperture, and raised on a bead-carved plinth. The lid opens to reveal a fitted dark-wood interior with divided compartments for letters, writing paper, and desk accessories.

The robust ebony construction and dense, high-relief floral ornament are characteristic of 19th-century colonial craftsmanship from Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, with possible southern Indian influence. The lid has been shaped from one piece of ebony. Produced for the colonial and export market, such boxes served as secure personal repositories for correspondence, stationery, and valuables.

Find out more about colonial boxes here.

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