Antique Anglo Indian ‘matara” Porcupine Quill Trinket Box

A Stunning Porcupine Quill Trinket Box, made from black wood with porcupine quill decorations, the lid is inlaid with an elephant and inscribed 'Matara’. C1890.

These were highly valued for their rich timbers and intricate craftsmanship. The production of porcupine quill boxes and furniture falls between around 1850 and 1900. Although porcupine quill boxes were originally made for English residents, by the late 19th century there was a thriving commercial export trade.

Porcupine quillwork is an art form completely unique to North America. Before the introduction of glass beads, quillwork was a major decorative element used by the peoples who resided in the porcupine’s natural habitat. Boxes with the name ‘Matara’ stamped inside tend to be of a finer quality and in particular have a signature style of placing small dots above and below larger dots along the frieze. Matara boxes tend also to have a raised lid which is again another extra embellishment not seen on other boxes. 

This quill box remains in original condition, would make a lovely jewellery box, or as a display piece.