Anglo Indian Ebony Box from Nagina

Description

This solid ebony Anglo-Indian box dates to circa 1870 and originates from Nagina in northern India. Of rectangular form, the box is profusely decorated across the lid and all four sides with intricate geometric and floral ornament, reflecting the distinctive carving traditions for which the region became renowned during the 19th century.

The deeply carved decoration creates a rich surface texture across the exterior, with repeating geometric and floral patterns covering each panel. Workshops in Nagina became particularly well known during the 19th century for producing finely carved ebony wares, many of which were exported throughout Britain and Europe.

The lid opens on a pair of brass hinges to reveal an interior fully lined in matching ebony. The box retains its original diamond-shaped brass escutcheon together with a beautifully fitted English brass lock and key.

‘“Art critics of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were astonished at the quality of ebony carving from Nagina, a town in the Bijnor District of the United Provinces.”

Jaffer A. Furniture from British India and Ceylon

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Measurements

10.5cm High x 30cm Wide x 11.5cm Deep (4.13 x 11.8 x 4.53 inches)

What is Nagina? 

Nagina is a historic town in the Bijnor district of northern India, renowned during the 19th century for the production of finely carved ebony wares. The town became particularly associated with highly skilled Muslim craftsmen who specialised in intricate decorative carving, producing boxes, furniture and other luxury objects for both domestic and export markets.

Following the Indian Uprising of 1857, the manufacture of arms was heavily restricted by the British authorities. Many craftsmen in Nagina, who had previously applied their talents to the decoration of firearms, turned their attention to wood carving instead. Using locally sourced ebony from the nearby Shivalik Hills, they developed a distinctive style characterised by dense geometric and floral ornament carved in remarkable detail.

Despite the challenges of working with ebony, a timber known for its hardness and tendency to split, the craftsmen of Nagina gained widespread admiration for the quality of their work. Their carved ebony wares were exported throughout Britain and Europe during the second half of the 19th century, establishing Nagina as one of the most important centres of ebony carving in India.

What is Ebony?

Ebony is often almost completely black with very little visible grain often with a subtle red/purple hue. This wood is very expensive due to the slow-growing trees which can often be gnarly affecting the yield of straight workable wood. Most ebonies are very dense making work with hand tools very difficult and can quickly clunt cutting tools. This density however offers an excellent finish on turned items.

For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Ebony.

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