Second half of 19th century, Southern Ceylon (Sri Lanka), porcupine quill veneered exterior, with ebony trim borders and round pattern inlay throughout, the top lid with shaped brass escutcheon, opens to ornate marquetry inlays featuring a standing elephant with text "MATURA" flanked by two floral filled urns, above two rectangular compartments and two inkwells, lapis hue blue velvet writing service, lifting to reveal a storage area with two rectangular drawers.

5 3/8 x 14 1/4 x 10 3/8 in.

Some scattered losses and lifting to inlay; upper brush compartment missing support for conforming lid; some shrinkage cracks and quill losses; staining and separation to center of blue writing service; underside secondary with patch.