A Dutch Colonial Bible Box
The ebony or calamander wood box carved to represent a closed book
Using the patterned grain of the wood to great effect
With pierced and engraved silver fretwork mounts and flower shaped buttons
Width: 8 1/2″ (21.7 cm)
Sri Lanka L18thC
Condition: replacement lock and pin missing.
Originally there was probably a silver fretwork panel in the centre of the lid
Crack in the wood above the lock plate

These boxes were used to carry the small bibles of wealthy Dutch Colonial ladies to church