A Colonial Anglo-Indian Box

Objects

Cultural exchange and integration were important byproducts accompanying the interaction of differing communities with one another. With the onset of British colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent, a similar exchange was evident, especially in the spheres of art, architecture and decorative arts. As more and more British officers, personnel and families began settling in the subcontinent, their homes demanded a type of furniture familiar to them. This resulted in the emergence of Anglo-Indian furniture, a unique design language, blending Western ornamentation with local design forms executed by expert Indian craftsmanship. Important centers of production emerged in various presidencies, incorporating regional workshops. Drawn from the Arts and Crafts Movement in Great Britain, the Anglo-Indian style, too, heavily relied on the concept of combining utility with aesthetics.

The rectangular box, composed of a dark wood, is covered by varying materials for ornamentation. The most important feature is found at the centre of the lid – a protruding rectangular frieze carved out of sandalwood. A ripple molding frames a narrative scene that is crafted expertly. Seated atop a rock, under a large arch, is an animal, which appears to be a side profile of a monkey with its raised tail. Connecting the arch on either side are double-storied buildings with a tall domed tower. The focus on the animal is apparent, not only because of the central position it occupies in the scene but also because of hierarchical scaling. To maintain symmetry, a peacock is placed on either end, perched on swirling vines that fill up the rest of the frieze. Bands of minute geometric shapes, including hexagonal and rhombus elements, are inlaid in silver. On each side, strips of carved sandalwood in the form of floriated vines and birds are placed. Opened using its hinged lid, the interior of the box remains bare only with remnants of a felt lining. The shallow height of the box indicates it was purposed to hold perhaps small, valuable objects. This box, a small but important piece of colonial history, marks the versatility of the artisans who were able to handle and mold multiple mediums with intricate artistry.