A radiating black buffalo  horn Vizagapatam antique fitted sewing box of dramatic curved shape standing on turned horn feet having a lift out horn edged sandalwood tray with three further radiating horn lids.

Working lock and key

Circa 1820 -45

It measures  inches wide  by  inches deep and it is  inches  high including feet: cm wide by cm deep by cm high.

 

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See:

Anglo Indian

Sewing Boxes

 

 

The form of this box is characteristic of the architectural shapes of early Regency. Although, in Anglo Indian boxes the early 19th century shapes continued, the complexity and quality of this piece points to an early date

For comparison see:

Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society -- 1700--1880, ISBN: 0764316885  Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, A Schiffer Book for collectors..

The craftsman who made this box has pushed his materials to the extreme to achieve this dramatic shape. The radiating horn top is surmounted by a turned and carved knob. 

There has been some cracking of the horn in the curved sections at the front and one side. This is visible in the enlargement of this image. 

Side view showing the strong period lines.

The inside has a sandalwood tray with horn edges and three radiating horn lids.

There is a further compartment in the lid.