Singhalese Bookcase

Sri Lanka, mid 18th century

Nedun wood (Sri Lankan hardwood), brass fittings

Behind its arabesque-carved doors and warm brown wood, this Singhalese bookcase once safeguarded papers, ledgers, and the secrets of a far-reaching colonial world. Crafted in the 18th century from nedun - a dense, richly hued timber native to Sri Lanka - it likely passed through Semarang before entering Batavia’s learned circles.

Its scalloped crest with a shell motif, delicate brass star pulls, and concealed writing surface reveal both elegance and purpose, blending Dutch colonial design with South Asian artistry. Gifted to the Royal Batavian Society Museum  (Koninklijk Bataviaasch Genootschap Museum) by Governor-General Tjarda van Starkenborgh Stachouwer in 1941, the bookcase reflects the circulation of materials, motifs, and administrative culture between Sri Lanka, Java, and Europe at the height of Dutch East India influence.

KBG 24330 / OB 437 / MSJ 77 187/ML/MSJ / MSJ 2008 24 ML MSJ 2008 / MSJ 2008 24 L MSJ 2008