carved sandalwood

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This sandalwood card case was made in India in the mid-19th century and is a particularly fine example. It is ornately and profusely carved with Indian motifs including a deity, flora and fauna. The carving has been executed to the full depth of the wood so that the case is pierced on all six faces. The inner slip is also ornamented with a pierced design.

The regions of Mysore and Kanara had a long tradition of sandalwood carving, and wooden card cases from these regions were exhibited at the London International Exhibition of 1862 and the Dublin Exhibition of 1865, although such cases were most likely in production from the 1830s.