Ebony & Ivory Indian Scroll Holder

Carved Ebony Scroll Holder with Carved Ivory Ends

This superb presentation scroll holder is of carved or turned ebony and carved ivory ends. The holder is in two halves which fit together by means of a screw thread carved into the wood. The decoration on the ebony is one continuous spiral. The ivory ends have edging carved in the style of mock Gothic tracery and are in dome form carved with spiral fins.

Overall, the scroll holder is a triumph of carving technique with regards both the ebony and the ivory.

Most such presentation scroll holders were made of silver. This is the first example of this type that we have seen.

It is in near perfect condition with only minor age and use related blemishes.

Jaffer, A., Furniture from British India and Ceylon: A Catalogue of the Collections in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum, Timeless Books, 2001.

UK art market