Anglo-Indian Inlaid Hardwood Humidor Attributed to Vizagapatam, 19th Century

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Anglo-Indian Inlaid Hardwood Humidor or Tobacco Box, Attributed to Vizagapatam, British India, Late 19th Century

A finely constructed Anglo-Indian humidor … Read more Anglo-Indian Inlaid Hardwood Humidor or Tobacco Box, Attributed to Vizagapatam, British India, Late 19th Century

A finely constructed Anglo-Indian humidor or tobacco box of compact architectural form, crafted in richly grained hardwood and embellished with contrasting organic-material inlay and brass studs. The rectangular casket is articulated by narrow inlaid bands arranged along the edges of each panel, while the hinged lid centers an eight-pointed floral medallion assembled from individually shaped elements. A decorative escutcheon and fitted key complete the restrained yet highly ornamental exterior.

The box is attributed to the celebrated workshops of Vizagapatam—present-day Visakhapatnam—whose craftsmen produced sophisticated furniture and portable objects for Indian, British, and international patrons. Its combination of tropical hardwood, pale inlay, geometric borders, floral ornament, and brass fastenings belongs to the broader Anglo-Indian decorative tradition that flourished during the nineteenth century. The design balances European casket construction with materials and ornamental techniques associated with South Asian cabinetmaking.

The interior is lined with tin, an important functional feature intended to create a comparatively sealed and moisture-resistant environment for the storage of tobacco. Set within the underside of the lid is a milky glass panel, likely intended to provide a washable, nonabsorbent surface while helping isolate the contents from the wooden lid. Together, these specialized interior fittings support identification of the object as a humidor or tobacco casket rather than a general-purpose valuables box.

**Measurements:** 6 in. wide × 5 in. deep × 4.75 in. high. See less