19th Century Anglo Indian Sadeli Mosaic Inlaid Box

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A beautifully crafted 19th century Anglo Indian decorative box featuring intricate Sadeli mosaic inlay in a striking series of geometric … Read more A beautifully crafted 19th century Anglo Indian decorative box featuring intricate Sadeli mosaic inlay in a striking series of geometric patterns.

The rectangular wood box is richly decorated across the lid with elaborate geometric medallions composed of contrasting woods, mother-of-pearl and ivory inlay. Fine multicolored mosaic banding frames the individual designs and continues around the perimeter of the lid and the body of the box.

Sadeli is an exceptionally intricate form of micromosaic inlay associated particularly with Bombay during the 19th century. Craftsmen assembled slender rods of contrasting materials into complex geometric designs, which were then sliced into thin sections and applied to the surface. Period examples incorporate combinations of precious woods, ivory or bone, mother-of-pearl, metals and other contrasting materials.

The interior is lined in rich red velvet, providing a beautiful contrast to the warm tones and detailed exterior. Circa 1870–1890. See less