An Anglo-Indian sandalwood cigarette box, carved and hinged, made in Kashmir in the late 19th century — the kind of dense, all-over carving that took real patience to produce, and that made Kashmiri work recognisable at a glance across the export trade. Srinagar workshops were known for exactly this style: leaf and floral patterns carved so closely together that barely any plain wood shows through.
Open it up and the construction turns out to be as clever as the decoration — three separate hinged compartments, built to hold 48 cigarettes between them, so the box functions properly rather than just looking the part. The exterior carries the same attention outward, with flora and fauna carved across every visible surface.
Sandalwood carving became one of Kashmir's most recognised export crafts under British colonial trade, with pieces like this made specifically for buyers back in Europe.
Condition notes
Excellent antique condition. Small gaps between border corners, some wear to wood.
