Lot 89: AN ENGRAVED INDIAN COCONUT AND SILVER SNUFF BOX, MADRAS INDIA, 19TH CENTURY

An oval hinged snuff box of South Indian origin, likely from the Madras, dating to the late 19th century British Raj period. The exterior is composed of intricately carved dark wood, such as sandalwood or ebony, featuring high-relief Hindu iconography in the regional Swami style. The lid centers on an oval panel depicting Lord Vishnu in the Anantashayana pose, reclining on the serpent Shesha, surrounded by ten circular medallions each containing a carved Hindu deity. The underside features a central oval panel with a radiating foliate pattern, encircled by eight circular medallions depicting various figures and deities. The box is fitted with silver-toned metal mounts featuring a bead-and-reel border and a functional three-part hinge. The interior is fully lined with polished silver-toned metal. 

L: 11cm