Britain received its first land grant in India in 1640. From that point, and through the Eighteenth Century, England became increasingly powerful in the subcontinent, mostly through trade transacted (and warfare waged) by the British East India Company. In 1858, England took direct control of the Indian government, ruling the country (called the "British Raj") until they were kicked-out in 1947. Until then, Victorians referred to India as "The Jewel in the Crown."
The legacy of British colonialism in India is (and will be long) analyzed and debated. And verdicts may switch back-and-forth as the decades unfold. But, when we consider art and aesthetics, the effect of Anglo-Indian artistic cross-pollination has left a wake of beautiful works: art, architecture, and decorative objets.
The hardwood box, shown above, was crafted in the Twenties or Thirties in (British-ruled) India. The ambitious, fine and plentiful floral detail was hand-carved with great skill. It was probably made for the Western market or for export to England. It must have taken hours of handwork to complete. It is lined with eggplant ultra suede, perfect as a small jewelry box, keepsake box or place to store a small collection of watches. Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome, beautifully-crafted piece.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248