Lot 371
- 371
A Mughal ivory-inlaid wood writing cabinet, probably Gujarat or Sindh, India, circa 17th century, on an associated Dutch walnut stand
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- wood, ivory
of rectangular form with hinged bevelled cover opening to reveal nine compartments decorated with openwork ivory plaques stained green and red outlined with bands containing incised circular motifs, the interior of lid featuring a painted landscape in the centre amidst inlaid ivory stylised flowerheads, the exterior panels each decorated with symmetrical designs of bulbous bouquets framed within foliate and floral scrolls, with metal handles to either side, on a wooden stand with four spiral corner legs and two further at front, with compartmented drawer and velvet block on top
Provenance
Ex-collection Bernard Steinitz
Purchased from the present owners in 1992 from the Chateau of St Paul en Cornillon, Ader Tajan, lots 172 and 173.
Purchased from the present owners in 1992 from the Chateau of St Paul en Cornillon, Ader Tajan, lots 172 and 173.
Condition
In good overall condition - the stand with some old wood worm damage especially visible on legs, small chip to one of back legs and handle of drawer, restoration along one leg, light scuffs throughout, the casket with some warping to wood and ivory pieces, some ivory inlay pieces missing or with some cracks as consistent with age, the interior in good condition, the painting within the lid possibly a later addition, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Similar ivory-inlaid cabinets were produced in two main centres, notably Gujarat and Sindh, to which this example is attributed due to its form and decoration with Mughal-inspired motifs. Accounts from European travellers to India refer to both regions. For example, Francisco Pelsaerts, a Dutch merchant notes the "Ornamental desks, writing cases…very prettily inlaid with ivory and ebony, used to be exported" in Tatta, Sindh, 1626, whilst William Finch, an English traveller mentioned Gujarat as a leading centre of fine inlay work (Jaffer 2002, p.18).
The cabinet’s six-legged stand reflects the changes in Europe in the design and usage of such objects that were increasingly acquired as showpieces (Jaffer, p.65). The legs with spiral components are believed to be derivative of a style used in Elizabethan furniture, comparable to other wooden furniture made in this era (see Veenendaal 1985, pp.21-28). This cabinet is a superb confluence of a European form with Mughal motifs, technique and material.
A casket of similar design was sold in these rooms, 12 October 2000, lot 190.
The cabinet’s six-legged stand reflects the changes in Europe in the design and usage of such objects that were increasingly acquired as showpieces (Jaffer, p.65). The legs with spiral components are believed to be derivative of a style used in Elizabethan furniture, comparable to other wooden furniture made in this era (see Veenendaal 1985, pp.21-28). This cabinet is a superb confluence of a European form with Mughal motifs, technique and material.
A casket of similar design was sold in these rooms, 12 October 2000, lot 190.