Lot 320: AN ANGLO-INDIAN CARVED SANDALWOOD CARD CASE, MYSORE OR CANARA, 19TH CENTURY

A sandalwood card case of rectangular form with a slip-on lid, originating from the Mysore or Canara region of India. The exterior surfaces are densely decorated with high-relief carvings depicting lush jungle scenes. One face features a central tree with monkeys climbing in the branches, a bird perched to the right, and an elephant with a raised trunk at the base. A rabbit is depicted in the lower-left foreground amongst detailed foliage. The opposing side shows a tiger standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking two fleeing deer, with additional monkeys and birds in the canopy. The top of the lid on the tiger side includes a coiled snake. The decorative scenes are framed by a repeating geometric diaper-pattern border. The interior is smooth-finished and features a recessed flange to accommodate the lid. The wood displays a warm reddish-brown patina and fine grain characteristic of sandalwood (Santalum album).

12 by 8cm