This is a rare sewing box made in Vizagapatam or Vishakapatnam as it is now known. Located along the Coromandel Coast, this was both an important centre of production of furniture and cabinets for export, and an important port city. This box was made to meet the demands of the Dutch and East India Companies operating out of the Coromandel Coast. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, craftsmen of the Kamsali community in Vizagapatam produced products for the European palette. This included furniture, cabinets, writing boxes and desks, dressing tables, boxes for accessories, and game pieces, all of which came to be popularly known as ‘Vizagapatams’, inspired by the place of production. This box is styled like a house in shape and decoration. The house is painted with architectural and landscaping details on all sides (similar to a Calcutta House) and the interior functions as a workbox with compartments containing sewing accessories.
