Antique Indian Parquetry Wooden Ivory Box Pre-1800s

A very early Primitive Indian hinged Travel Box or Travel Desk. It is in a wonderful dark wood something like walnut. It is inlaid all over the entire surface with ivory. The ivory pieces are almost mosaic. The designs are stars and florals. The box has a lift top and a drop front surface. Inside of the lift top – that I hope you can see – there is a stationary drawer compartment, under that there are two drawers and under that one long bottom drawer. The hardware is early they are in a tear drop shape and they are iron. Inside there are iron strap hinges – the door is attached by early handmade iron snipe hinges. The drop front surface is held open by a later addition of simple hinges. The box sits on four bun feet. The surface condition is very rich and lustrous with lots of built up patina. 90% of all the ivory inlay is intact - there are pieces missing here and there but they are very hard to see and it is understandable from a four piece of furniture item such as this one dating from approximately the 17th or 18th century. All in all for that date the condition is not bad. In Miller’s Antique Price Guide 2002 edition there is a very similar box on the bottom right hand corner of page 613 that reads “An Indian Parquetry Wooden Box, with hinged fall-front, decorated in ivory, the interior with six drawers, 17th Century.” 

Measurements: 16 7/8” wide x 12 ¾” high (including feet) and is 12 ½” deep.