Video IconDownload Icon
Zoom Icon Click for high resolution

Casket, Carved Sandalwood, Mysore, Karnataka, Southern India, ca. 1870 – 1890.

REGISTERED ANTIQUITY – NON-EXPORTABLE ITEM.

 

Object Detail

 

This rectangular sandalwood casket form is elegant yet functional, with a detachable, slightly tapered lid that enhances its visual appeal. The lid is carefully divided into five sections. At the centre is Veṇugopāla—a form of Kṛṣṇa—shown with his flute, his cow, and a small group of attendants, all framed beneath a wide trefoil arch. The four surrounding trapezoid panels depict seated figures beneath cusped arches. These figures are integrated into dense backgrounds of foliage, which also carry depictions of animals such as peacocks, elephants, deer and tigers.

 

The elongated panels on the sides of the casket have the depiction of richly dressed male and female figures are positioned within arched niches. The panels are framed by the layer of daisy flowers with tendrils, evoking the aesthetic essence.  The casket rests on legs carved as lion’s claws at the front, while the hind legs are plainer and extended with simple wooden supports.

 

Mysore, known as the Sandalwood City of India, is famous for its extensive sandalwood forests and exquisite woodwork. A remarkable example is this box! It is from the era of a British official, showcasing intricate carvings of captivating animal scenes and elaborate foliage. Gudigar communities from Shimoga, Uttara Kannada, and Mysore are known for intricate sandalwood carvings, initially creating deities and later ornate boxes.

 

 

Provenance

 

From a Private Collection in Mumbai, India.

 

Condition

 

Good Condition with minor wear.

 

Dimension

 

Literature Comparison

 

1.”From Forest to Art: The Journey of Mysore Sandalwood Carving.” iTokri, accessed July 31, 2025. https://itokri.com/blogs/craft-masala-by-itokri/from-forest-to-art-the-journey-of-mysore-sandalwood-carving

 

2.”Sandalwood Craft – CS.” Scribd. Accessed July 31, 2025. https://www.scribd.com/document/54156538/Sandalwood-Craft-CS.

 

3.”Sandalwood Carving from Mysore.” Medium, accessed July 31, 2025. https://medium.com/direct-create/sandalwood-carving-from-mysore-6a790ddd5a17.

 

4.”From Forest to Art: The Journey of Mysore Sandalwood Carving.” iTokri, accessed July 31, 2025. https://itokri.com/blogs/craft-masala-by-itokri/from-forest-to-art-the-journey-of-mysore-sandalwood-carving

 

6.”Sandalwood Craft – CS.” Scribd. Accessed July 31, 2025. https://www.scribd.com/document/54156538/Sandalwood-Craft-CS.

 

7.”Sandalwood Carving from Mysore.” Medium, accessed July 31, 2025. https://medium.com/direct-create/sandalwood-carving-from-mysore-6a790ddd5a17.

 

8.Salar Jung Museum, Salar Jung Museum, accessed August 24, 2025, https://www.salarjungmuseum.in/

 

9.Balasubramanyam, ed., Census of India 1961, Volume XI: Mysore, Part VII-A, Handicraft Survey Monographs – Crafts Using Wood as the Chief Raw Material(Delhi: Manager of Publications, 1965).

 

10.Casket Room, Mysore Palace, Government of Karnataka, accessed August 24, 2025, https://mysorepalace.karnataka.gov.in/casket_room.html.

 

 

Categories: ,

Request More Images


You can find images of this object above. Click on an image to zoom.

In case you are looking for additional images, please email us at ritesh@indikeauctions.com or use the request form below.

    How to Buy

    Buying at Indike is simple. Our friendly team of experts are always willing to discuss items entered in the auctions and also those that are currently available in our online shop with potential purchaser. All members of our dedicated team are here to help should you need any assistance. Please note that all items purchased are subject to our standard terms and conditions.

    Live Auction
    Indike Live Auction

    Bid live on our website, without additional online surcharges!

    Timed Auction
    Timed Auction

    Bids are open until the window closes. Highest bid wins.

    Online Gallery
    Online Gallery

    You can buy fine Indian art immediately in our online shop.

    Terms & Conditions

    By accessing or using this website, mobile application, or any services provided by Indike, you acknowledge and agree to comply with the following terms and conditions. These terms govern your use of our platform and all content, features, and functionality made available through it. Use of this site is conditioned upon your acceptance of and compliance with these terms. If you do not agree with any part of the terms, you must not use the website or services.

    All content provided on this site, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Indike or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of any content is strictly prohibited.

    The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and may be subject to change at any time without notice. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content on the site. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

    We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the website without notice, for conduct that we believe violates these terms or is harmful to other users, us, or third parties, or for any other reason at our sole discretion.

    You may not use this website in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the website or impairment of its availability or accessibility. You may not use it for any unlawful, illegal, fraudulent, or harmful purpose or activity.

    Related products