Hand-Carved Anglo-Indian Teakwood Box
Estimated value
$40 - $85Rarity
Ordinary(3/10)Category
AntiquesEra
Circa 1920-1950Origin
🇮🇳 IndiaAuthenticity
HAND-CARVED ANGLO-INDIAN TEAKWOOD BOX: IDENTIFICATION
A rectangular hinged box made of dense teakwood featuring relief carving on the lid. The central motif depicts a peacock with a fanned tail surrounded by foliate scrolls. The border consists of a geometric Greek key or fret pattern, while the side panels are decorated with continuous floral vine-work. The interior shows natural graining and signs of hand-planing, and the presence of small iron or brass pins indicates traditional joinery.
Compare with other items in the archive: Mathurin Moreau (French, 1822–1912) - Andromeda, Bronze Figural Sculpture, American Oak Sideboard or Dresser with Serpentine Front - c.1890-1910, Silver Figural Sardine Fork with Barley Twist Stem.
SCARCITY
Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.
Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 26 antiques items at rarity 3 or higher.
Typical Characteristics
- Moderate production runs
- Common at estate sales
- Entry-level collectibles
Confidence Factors
- Construction techniques (iron pin joinery) are consistent with early 20th-century Indian production
- Peacock and vine motifs are standard for this period and region
ANTIQUARIAN'S ASSESSMENT
Decorative Arts Specialist
The object is a highly recognizable type of Anglo-Indian export ware with distinct carving styles that match the 1920-1950 timeframe.
KEY EVIDENCE
- 1Relief-carved peacock motif with fanned tail and foliate background
- 2Greek key fretwork border indicating export influence
- 3Hand-planed interior surfaces with visible wood grain consistency
- 4End-grain visibility on side panels confirming solid wood construction
UNCERTAINTIES
- •Hinges are currently detached, suggesting lost or broken pins
- •Lack of maker's stamps (common for this category but prevents premium attribution)
WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY
- →Examine the hinge holes for evidence of original brass vs. later iron pins
- →Check for any faint pencil marks or labels on the underside of the base
CONDITION & GRADE
Grading breakdown
The detachment of the lid from the base significantly impacts the grade. While the carving remains crisp (near VG), the structural failure of the hinge area relegates it to Fair condition.
Condition
The hinges appear to be compromised or missing their pins, as the lid is shown completely detached. There is minor rounding of the carved edges and typical 'dryness' to the wood grain on the interior, but no evidence of major cracking or rot.
ANTIQUES MARKET VALUATION
Updated: May 11, 2026
Who buys this
Collectors of Anglo-Indian Raj-era memorabilia and interior decorators looking for 'global chic' desk accessories.
What increases value
- •Complexity and depth of the lid carving
- •Condition of the wood (lack of 'checks' or cracks)
- •Originality of the dark patina
What lowers value
- •The detached lid is the primary value detractor
- •Presence of modern glue repairs would lower value
What makes top-tier examples
- •Brass or silver wire inlay (sadeli) would elevate this significantly
- •A larger size or 'nesting' set would command higher prices
Grade & condition
Completeness of the hinge mechanism and clarity of the carving motifs.
Rarity & demand
For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.
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Art Deco Geometric Ziggurat Candelabrum c.1930
Silver Figural Sardine Fork with Barley Twist Stem
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