Box - Rectangular table box in sadeli marquetry with legs and mother-of-pearl • 1900s • Bombay or Surat - Wood

India, Bombay or Surat, circa 1900 – rectangular table box in sadeli marqueterie with legs and mother-of-pearl

Wooden core, richly inlaid with mosaic bars of finely sawn wood, ivory, and ebony, combined with small triangles and diamonds of mother-of-pearl. The individual bars are assembled into patterns of stars and diamonds, then cut and inlaid into the surface. Hinged lid with brass hinges and a lock plate.

dimensions 6.5 x 19 x 14 cm

Rectangular table box with a flat hinged lid, decorated with geometric patterns in the sadeli technique, a typical inlay work from West India. The lid features a central star and diamond composition of micro mosaic in wood, ebony, and ivory, framed with mother-of-pearl triangles. The sides are adorned with a continuous frieze with diamond cartouches in alternating fillings. The bottom is flat and unadorned. This type of geometric mosaic, often in black and white contrast and enriched with mother-of-pearl, was produced around 1880–1920 in Bombay and Surat and was popular as a writing and jewelry box for both local markets and export.


Condition according to age and usage. Losses and chips on pearl and bone, slight surface fading, shrinkage cracks, and craquelure on the lid. Corners and edges with small impact marks. Interior with old usage stains and moisture rings. Lock present, key missing.

The specific technique of assembled mosaic stones (sadeli) with contrasting black, white, and mother-of-pearl, in star and diamond patterns, is characteristic of Bombay and Surat around 1900. This clearly distinguishes it from Syrian Damascus inlay, which typically features multicolored wood and more complex star compositions.