Ivory box, England, 19th century

Height x width x depth: 47 x 45 x 29 cm

Antique box with wooden structure veneered with elephant ivory (Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 or Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797) finely engraved and finished with ink. Rectangular in shape and resting on four spherical feet, it fastens at the front with a small metal lock plate. The exterior surface features intricate penwork decoration, with garland motifs and chain-link bands framing the various panels. On the lid, a refined central scroll stands out, enclosing a noble monogram (the letter “R”). When opened, the lid reveals three compartments on the inside for storing objects, each protected by a removable mahogany lid. Each section is finished with small ebony knobs (Diospyros spp.). Due to the choice of rare materials and the sophisticated layout of the interior spaces, this artefact was not merely a functional container, but a genuine luxury item, an expression of the social prestige of its patron. In terms of stylistic features and construction techniques, the box is a superb example of 19th century English craftsmanship, a period in which the use of carved ivory and exotic woods reached heights of extreme technical refinement.

This lot, accompanied by a CITES certificate and expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union. (expertise Ce.S.Ar. 2026-098)