the front fitted with twelve drawers set with engraved panels illustrating various stories from the New Testament and each inscribed above with the name of the episode and chapters and verses in Latin, three drawer fronts engraved Roedolf fecit or Roedolff fec on the lower right corner, the border around the upper right drawer front also bearing the date 1659, each surrounded by scrolling foliate borders, the sides and top set with octagonal central panels also with biblical scenes, the triangular panels with the apostles in the corners, surrounded by multiple broad borders of trellis-work embellished with grotesque masks, fantastic beasts, vases, baldachins, foliage and strapwork scrolls interspersed with oval reserves with portraits of saints and further biblical scenes, set on four engraved ovoid-form ivory feet.

Some areas of lifting inlay. Age cracks throughout. (some cracks with fill or stabilization on both side panels). Some parts of foliate borders replaced, approximately 14 inches in length overall. Some other restorations/patches, such as a triangular wedge on right side and a small patch near the key hole on the upper right drawer. Small losses and chips. Beautifully engraved.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

While the images on the drawer fronts appear to be of European (Netherlandish) origin and probably 17th century, as do the bands of trelliswork, arabesques and portraits of ladies and gentlemen on🌌 the sides, the exotic woods used here and translation of 𒁃various patterns coupled with the manner of engraving place this piece in the Colonial lands of India in the 18th century.

The dissemination of print and design books beyond Europe would have made it easy for Indian cabinetmakers, who were already copying European designs in the decorative arts during the latter part of the 16th and early 17th centuries, to incorporate these elements into this cabinet.