A highly refined Dutch-colonial Sri Lankan inlaid box with silver mounts

A highly refined Dutch-colonial Sri Lankan inlaid box with silver mounts

Galle district, 18th century

The box is made of amboyna burr with inlays of ebony, bone and burr wood and has several interior compartments, all made with the utmost attention to detail.

H. 12 x W. 30.6 x D. 17.8 cm

Inside it has a lockable compartment, similar to compartments found in large sea chests and iln document boxes, and below the compartment a small drawer. It bears a label at the underside reading: M. Teunissen, 62 Lange Voorhout, The Hague, Curiosities & work of art, Furniture of all styles. Antique plates. Probably this miniature chest was to store valuable items, such as small curiosities, gems or jewellery.

Part of the Indian Ocean collection.