Rosewood Scent Bottle Box From Lucknow - 19th Century

This elegant antique Indian scent box is crafted from richly figured rosewood and fitted with brass corner mounts and escutcheons, combining practical function with refined decorative appeal. Raised on small turned feet, the box opens to reveal a luxurious red velvet-lined interior containing its original set of twelve glass scent bottles, each fitted with beautifully detailed metal tops. The inside of the lid is further enhanced by an inset mirror framed within an ornate gilt surround, transforming the piece into a personal dressing accessory as well as a storage box.

Created for a lady's dressing table, scent boxes such as this were used to store precious perfumes, attars, and aromatic oils. The survival of the complete original bottle set is particularly unusual, while the mirrored interior reflects the influence of both Indian craftsmanship and European tastes during the late colonial period. The rich colour and grain of the rosewood, combined with the warm brass fittings and vibrant velvet lining, create a piece that is both decorative and highly evocative of 19th-century domestic life.

Today, this charming box makes a wonderful collector's piece, offering a glimpse into the rituals of personal grooming and fragrance use in historic India.

• Origin: India
• Date: Late 19th Century
• Materials: Rosewood, Brass, Glass, Mirror, Velvet
• Features: Original twelve glass scent bottles, gilt-framed mirror, brass mounts and escutcheon, red velvet-lined interior, raised feet, handcrafted construction
• Condition: Good antique condition with age-related wear, minor marks and patina consistent with age and use
• Dimensions: W19 x D15 x H9 cm