the writing cabinet of rectangular form supported on four straight narrow legs with cross-bar, the interior with glass writing surface lifting to reveal velvet-lined compartment, the exterior lid inlaid with ivory and incised with lac with a central flowering tree emanating from a leafy tuft issuing lotus and half palmettes, flanked by two small rocky outcrops, bordered by scrolling tendrils issuing fleshy floral and vegetal motifs, the sides and legs inlaid with further vegetal and floral motifs, the cross bar with zigzag patterning

in good overall condition, crack to wood of exterior lid and small cracks and splitting to areas of ivory inlay, one of the ivory borders lifting slightly, as viewed
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The exotic floral and vegetal designs displayed on the current lot relate closely to the motifs found on Indian trade textiles of the same period. These fanciful motifs ജwould have been derived from European botanicals that were imported into India from the sixteenth century onwards. Cabinets with similar borders are in the Victoria & Albert Museum, see Jaffer 2001, pp.172-192.