Museum Collections

Rectangular rosewood writing desk with flat, hinged lid, chamfered edges decorated with pattern of inlaid ivory and mother-of-pearl, inlaid silver panel embellished with ivory leaves, at center, and diamond-shaped panel; opens out to reveal slanted writing surface covered in purple velvet, leading up to set of three compartments, one large, two small, with central compartment also divided into two by addition of tray; also contains square colorless glass ink bottle with metal cap embellished with impressed pattern of leaves and circular pull, and metal key on knotted piece of cloth; each end of writing surface can be folded back to reveal spaces underneath.