Brass Bound Rosewood Box From Kutch - 19th Century

This beautifully crafted rosewood Indian jewellery box is an excellent example of 19th–early 20th-century craftsmanship, combining local woodworking traditions with stylistic influences from the British presence in India. Made from richly grained rosewood, the piece has developed a warm, characterful patina over time, highlighting both the depth of the timber and the careful hand-finishing of its maker. The exterior is fitted with decorative brass mounts, further reflecting the hybrid Anglo-Indian design sensibility of the period.

Inside, the box reveals a highly practical interior designed for valuables such as jewellery, textiles, letters, and cash. The upper tier features a series of small compartments for organising finer items. Ingeniously, this top tray has a sliding bottom, allowing the owner to access the larger lower compartment without removing the tray entirely—a clever detail commonly found in quality boxes from this era. The interior dividers, wear patterns, and original chain supports all contribute to the charm and authenticity of the piece.

• Origin: India
• Date: 19th–Early 20th Century
• Materials: Rosewood with brass mounts
• Features: Sliding-bottom upper tray; multi-compartment interior; decorative brass fittings; British colonial design influence; rich original patina
• Condition: Age-related wear, surface marks, and a warm patina consistent with long-term use
• Dimensions: W68 x D41 x H34 cm