A FINELY CARVED INDIAN SANDALWOOD BOX WITH JUNGLE SCENE
Mysore, Karnataka, Southern India, second half 19th century

Of square shape with gently everted sides, reminiscent of a casket, resting on four pronounced paw-shaped feet, surmounted by a stepped, hinged lid, the exterior intricately and finely carved with naturalistic scenes of animals amidst dense foliage in their natural habitat, the lid featuring a deeply carved central square panel depicting a dynamic jungle tableau with a charging elephant accompanied by leaping deer beneath thick trees, encased within multiple friezes densely carved with scrolling foliage interspersed with birds in flight and perched amidst leaves, the outer edges adorned with repeated borders of geometric patterns and finely detailed vegetal motifs, the sides similarly embellished with rectangular deeply-carved panels depicting lively forest creatures including elephants, gazelles, squirrels, rabbits, exotic birds, and tigers prowling and grazing within an exuberant foliate ground, each side framed by vertical geometric bands, the interior left plain revealing the subtle fragrance and refined grain of the sandalwood, the base plain.

20cm x 21.5cm x 12.5cm

This box exemplifies the highly skilled tradition of South Indian sandalwood carving, known as gudigar art. The term ‘gudigar’, derived from ‘gudi’, meaning temple in Kannada, refers to artisans specially trained in carving temple architecture, intricate wooden decorations, and devotional items. Mysore artisans were celebrated for their exceptionally detailed craftsmanship, achieving international acclaim through their participation in the Great Exhibition in London (1851) and other prominent international expositions, where their carvings drew praise for their remarkable delicacy and intricacy. For related examples of Mysore sandalwood carving, please see Christie’s London, 10 June 2013, lot 286; 10 October 2014, lot 102; and 25 May 2017, lot 86, all illustrating the remarkable depth of carving and virtuosity typical of Mysore gudigar boxes from this period.