An unusual Anglo-Indian carved ebony night watch stand

An unusual Anglo-Indian carved ebony night watch stand, modelled as a bearded Indian porter or attendant holding a staff.

Standing upon a circular plinth, the figure supports above his head a dished receptacle designed to hold a gentleman’s pocket watch overnight, allowing the watch to serve as a bedside timepiece. Finely and expressively carved with tightly curled hair, a full beard, large almond-shaped eyes and a short, draped dhoti.

The figure possesses considerable character and sculptural presence, enhanced by the rich, lustrous surface and deep natural patination of the ebony. Both practical and highly decorative, it is a particularly engaging example of Anglo-Indian carving produced for the European market.

H 34  x  W 13  x  D 6cm

Indian, circa 1880.