Stationary Box; sadeli, mid-nineteenth century, Bombay.

This hexagonal box was a travel essential for European and Indian elites in the 19th century. Designed with compartments of varying heights, it neatly stored letters, envelopes, bills, and writing supplies, with notched edges for easy access. A fine example of Sadeli, an intricate ivory and wood inlay craft of Persian origin, these boxes were highly sought after at at the international exhibitions as “Bombay Boxes”.