of rectangular form, hinged fall-front enclosing eight drawers each with stylised tulip or coffee-pot handles, lock plate and key to exterior and one internal drawer, decorated in foiled tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, ivory, and multiple woods, the front, top and back with central ogival trellis outline in ivory, bordered by micro-mosaic bands of miniature ebony and ivory tesserae with mother-of-pearl triangular details forming a geometric design

In good condition generally, has been restored, with some replacements to tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl and ivory sections. Hairline cracks to tortoiseshell sections, notably to front (also with some minor sections chipped), some damage to tortoiseshell on interior of drop-front door. Minor wear particularly along external edges as consistent with age and use, 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."

Following a European model much imitated in India and using a combination of materials favoured by the Ottomans, notably, foiled tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl and ivory, this type of fall-front cabinet, of European origin and prevalent in India and the Ottoman world, was intended to be placed on a desk. The sandalwood, which makes up its interior, delivers a strong, pleasant smell and further attests to the strong network between India and the Ottoman world. Echoing the composition of classical Ottoman binding, the design is centered on a simple ogival trellis outline composed of ivory between tortoiseshell (for a similar example of a bookbinding composed of tortoiseshell, see Atil 1987, p.104, no.49a). Bordered by minor bands of minute tesserae of ivory and ebony that are found on a number of Ottoman works of art (see for example lot 202), the present cabinet would have held a place of pride in the owner's household.