A Rare Early 19th Century Anglo Indian Papier Mâché Cellarette 
India, circa 1830
 
A highly decorative & rare 19th century Anglo Indian papier mache cellarette, likely made in Kashmir for a British military officer posted in India during the days of British Rule. The octagonal shaped and black lacquered papier mache case retains its original forged iron carrying handles, decorated on all eight sides with hand painted designs of flowering urns flanked by pairs of white doves, bordered top & bottom with repeating bands of flowerheads. The conforming hinged lid profusely decorated with hand painted flowerheads and retaining its original hand forged iron pull, hinges & hasp, opening to reveal a segmented interior painted in vermillion red. 
 
Dimensions, 18” high x 17.5” circumference.                      
 
The top & sides showing signs of old conservation, surface abrasions & wear, the lid is somewhat ill fitting, all consistent with its use of materials, as well as its intended use over the course of nearly 200 years.                                                                                                                                                        
References: 
A near identical example, albeit offered as a pair, and catalogued as ‘A Pair of Anglo-Indian Low Tables’ were previously offered at Sotheby’s New York on January 24th, 2020, (Lot #787) as part of the 2-day sale of the personal effects belonging to famed York City interior designer, Mario Buatta, - the pair sold for $27,500. USD (plus commission).