A fine late 18th century Vizagapatam engraved ivory tea caddy. photo Bonhams

the exterior engraved to all sides with Indian colonial, architectural and landscape scenes including figures fishing, the rear panel with a Mughal palace, the moulding around the top panel decorated with bucrania, trailing flowers and leafy garlands, the sides with carrying handles, the interior with engraved border and enclosing three line inlaid and ebony strung satinwood canisters with foil linings and sliding tops, 27cm wide, 15cm deep, 18cm high (10.5" wide, 5.5" deep, 7" high)  - Estimate: £6,000 - 8,000, USD 9,500 - 13,000, EUR 7,100 - 9,400

Bonhams. Gentleman's Library Sale, 19 Jan 2011; New Bond Street www.bonhams.com