λ A SINHALESE CARVED EBONY PORTABLE WRITING CABINET WITH IVORY-INLAID LIONS
Galle District, Southern Sri Lanka, 19th century

Of rectangular shape, the hinged lid and sides richly decorated on the exterior with deep-relief scrolling palmettes and vegetal meanders, the interior of the lid with an inlaid ivory medallion depicting two heraldic lions upholding a pair of flags above the inscription ‘MATARA’ straigh and in reverse, referencing the historic port city of Matara on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, the fitted interior featuring intricate concentric dot inlay and an elaborately compartmentalised arrangement for writing implements, pens, and documents, with a foldable writing slope lined in blue velvet.

39.2cm x 23cm x 13.5cm

Matara, one of Sri Lanka’s most important southern cities, held strategic significance throughout the Dutch and early British colonial eras due to its thriving maritime trade, fortified stronghold, and role as a regional administrative centre, its emblem—the two lions—symbolises both local sovereignty and its ties to the Kandyan kingdom. This box is a product of the celebrated Southern Sri Lankan ebony workshops, renowned in the 18th and 19th centuries for their mastery of ebony carving and ivory inlay, merging indigenous Sinhalese craftsmanship with European forms and tastes introduced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British patrons. The distinctive deep-relief carving and meticulous ivory inlay exemplify the “Galle ebonyware” tradition, prized for its technical virtuosity and aesthetic sophistication. These luxury boxes were typically commissioned as prestigious desk accessories or diplomatic gifts, reflecting the cosmopolitan tastes of colonial officials and local elites.

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