LARGE Antique Anglo Indian Vizagapatam Sadeli carved inlaid wood sewing Box +key

A very fine, totally original, and imposing 19th-century (circa 1850) antique Anglo Indian Vizagapatam Sadeli work ladies sewing box. Crafted from intricately carved sandalwood in a lovely tiered sarcophagus form, it features its original working lock, key, and carry handles at each side. Dating to circa 1850, this Anglo Indian antique box is of significant age. It is wonderfully carved with images of temples, foliage, and mythical exotic animals & birds, further enhanced with Sadeli mosaic inlay and banding. The box has a complete (no missing lids) upper compartmentalised lift-out tray. Each compartment has a lid bearing a finely carved creature or a decorative thread holder and thimble. Beneath this lift-out upper layer, the original faded red velvet lining remains. This elegant piece would make a beautiful jewellery box or a fabulous display item. Large dimensions: 11.5 inches wide, 8 inches front to back, and 4 inches high. Overall, the box is in lovely condition with beautiful, sharply precise, and detailed carvings. There is some narrow banding/inlay missing on the lid as pictured, and a few compartment lids are missing just their original tiny circular wire pull handles, but none of this detracts from the gorgeous display this box makes. It appears a mirror may have originally been present in the inner lid, which could easily be replaced.