Jewellery box with floral motifs
Ivory and silver, anonymous, c. 1680 - c. 1700, Ceylon
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Crafted in Ceylon during the Dutch colonial period, the box is delicately incised with intricate symmetrical floral motifs, a common theme in Ceylonese ivory work, reflecting influences from both local traditions and European decorative styles. It has silver handles on both sides, silver hinges and a lock, that are also decorated with floral motifs. The box likely reached Europe through trade routes established by the Dutch East India Company, known for their involvement in Ceylonese ivory trade. While specifically identified as a jewel box, it could have also served as a betel box, an important object in Ceylonese culture for holding betel nut, a mild stimulant traditionally prepared and consumed during social gatherings.