Historical information

Decorative ivory needlework tools were prized possessions. The style of decoration is similar to and maybe one of the Indian ivory sewing tools produced in Vizagapatam, East India Company factory.

Significance

Exemplifies the hot needle decoration of madras work created in early 19th century in India and then copied in England

Physical description

Ivory tape measure holder. mushroom shape, decorated with black incised border of interlocking circles with matching central motif. Body of case is decorated with 27 parallel lines and a vertical slit to allow tape to pass. Base has a cogged edging.

Inscriptions & markings

Top is decorated with black border of interlocking circles with matching central motif. (Hot needle decoration)