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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Any Jewelry, post: 2650063, member: 2844&quot;]Just to make sure, BTZ. You do know that if an item that is traditional to India, Sri Lanka, you name it, was made during a particular colonial period, it is still traditional Indian, Sri Lankan, etc? Not colonial.</p><p>They had an identity and culture before the Europeans came along, and for the most part they kept that identity and culture. Part of most Asian cultures was and still is to have valuable items, and boxes for valuables.</p><p>You mentioned pettagamas/pettagams. Those were made long before any European set foot on Sri Lankan shores, just like many other Asian cultures made their boxes before European arrival. Did Europeans use Asian valuables boxes? Sure they did.</p><p><br /></p><p>I know you like items related to the VOC (Dutch East India Company).</p><p>For an item to be accepted as VOC related, you need proof. Either the VOC mark (not faked!) or other accepted mark (Batavia silver mark etc), or proof of ownership by someone who worked for the VOC in Asia.</p><p>There are certainly specific Dutch colonial styles. The display cabinets you posted are typically Dutch colonial. The woods used are typical of Sri Lankan furniture. Ergo: Dutch period on Sri Lanka. Made for either colonials, affluent locals or affluent Burghers. Burghers (= citizens) were former Portuguese slaves of Indian or African descent who had been liberated by the Dutch and given a social status between the Europeans and the Singhalese.</p><p>If those cabinets have a genuine VOC mark, they are VOC related.</p><p><br /></p><p>As for European items found in Asia, those are of course introduced either through international trade, or by colonials. When they were introduced is not always clear. People in the 19th century collected antiques, and took those with them. If those items appear on old inventory lists or are part of an archaeological dig, exact dating is more likely.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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