A Dutch walnut writing box with brass mounts
The interior is divided in various compartments for an inkpot, sand dispenser, pens, and papers. A similar walnut writing box that belonged to Joan van Hoorn, governor-general for the VOC in Batavia (Jakarta), 1704-1709, was exhibited in the Tropenmuseum Amsterdam, Wonen in de wijde wereld, 20 December 1963 - 16 March 1964 (illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, no. 155).
Writing boxes for papers, pens, and ink pots, were a basic requirement for East India Company officials and merchants in faraway trading posts. They were obliged to regularly write communications about everything of potential interest to the High Government of the Company in Batavia (Jakarta).
Part of the Europe collection.
Related objects
A Minangkabau red-enamelled and brass wedding crown or 'Suntiang'
In the Minangkabau culture, wedding crowns hold great cultural significance and symbolism. The Minangkabau people in West Sumatra, Indonesia, are well recognised for their very unique matrilineal social structure and abundant cultural heritage. One of their most visually captivating traditions is the usage of intricate bridal crowns, referred to as suntiang, worn by brides throughout traditional wedding rituals. The suntiang serves as more than a mere decorative head embellishment; it represents cultural heritage, societal principles, and the esteemed status of women in Minangkabau culture.
An elaborate Minangkabau gem-set brass floral wedding crown or 'Suntiang'
In the Minangkabau culture, wedding crowns hold great cultural significance and symbolism. The Minangkabau people in West Sumatra, Indonesia, are well recognised for their very unique matrilineal social structure and abundant cultural heritage. One of their most visually captivating traditions is the usage of intricate bridal crowns, referred to as suntiang, worn by brides throughout traditional wedding rituals. The suntiang serves as more than a mere decorative head embellishment; it represents cultural heritage, societal principles, and the esteemed status of women in Minangkabau culture.
A fine Japanese export lacquer coffer in the pictorial style with gilt-copper mounts
Decorated all around with mountain and lake scenes with buildings, flying cranes and geese, and growth of pine, bamboo and tree peony. All decorated in hiramaki-e and takamaki-e in gold and black and togidashi in shades of gold and brown, inside a band of brownish nashiji.