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Sarcophagus Box, Carved Sandalwood, Mysore, Karnataka, Southern India c.a. 1860-1880.

REGISTERED ANTIQUITY – NON-EXPORTABLE ITEM.

 

Object Detail

 

Mysore, known as the Sandalwood City of India, is famous for its extensive sandalwood forests and exquisite woodwork. A remarkable example is a sarcophagus box 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.

 

This box is shaped like a casket and has a high, detachable lid that adds elegance. The outside is decorated with detailed designs of vines and flowers. These patterns create a lattice effect, similar to traditional jali screens, which makes the surface interesting by allowing light and shadow to play across it. Each side of the box is divided into two sections, with one section larger than the other. These panels show jungle scenes with carved animals surrounded by thick foliage. Elephants are shown walking, representing strength and wisdom. Playful lions or leopards are seen playing among the vines, adding a sense of life. Subtle hints of birds, like peacocks, may appear in the designs, but are not the main focus. In the centre of one panel is a roundel that may have held a personal seal or insignia. This roundel likely represented ownership and highlighted the skill behind this beautiful piece, emphasising its value.

 

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/directcreate/sandalwood-carving-from-mysore-6a790ddd5a17.

 

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

 

5. Rustam J. Mehta, The Handicrafts and Industrial Arts of India (Bombay: Taraporevala Sons, 1960).

 

6.K. 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).

 

7. M. Puttapa Gudigar, Casket, late 19th century, carved sandalwood, made in Sorab, Karnataka, India,
Museum no. 2006AN0058, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, accessed August 3, 2025,
https://www.vandaimages.com/2006AN0058-Casket-by-M-Puttapa-Gudigar-Sorab-India-late-19th.html.

 

 

 

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