Anglo-Indian Sadeli or Bone-Inlaid Games Box with Removable Trays

Story

British officers and merchants in 19th-century India fell in love with local woodworking, commissioning custom boxes to hold their gaming pieces, spices, or jewelry. This box represents a beautiful cultural collision, blending European utility with centuries-old Indian micro-inlay techniques. Each tiny white dot was carved, placed, and polished entirely by hand.

Maker / Origin

While the specific artisan remains anonymous, this piece comes from the highly skilled woodworking guilds of Northern or Eastern India, such as Hoshiarpur in Punjab or Vizagapatam on the Coromandel Coast.

Condition & Value

The box appears to be in good antique condition with all twelve inner lids present, which is exceptionally rare. There is some minor wear to the dark finish on the outer edges, a few missing inlay dots (typical for pieces of this age), and the green felt lining may be a later replacement.