New Époque: Adrian Alan - Selected Works

New Époque: Adrian Alan - Selected Works

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 60. AN INDO-PORTUGUESE IVORY AND EBONY INLAID TEAK 'CONTADOR' CABINET, GOA, 17TH CENTURY.

AN INDO-PORTUGUESE IVORY AND EBONY INLAID TEAK 'CONTADOR' CABINET, GOA, 17TH CENTURY

UK: Greenford Park WarehouseRestricted Species

Lot Closed

October 28, 02:42 PM GMT

Estimate

12,000 - 18,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

AN INDO-PORTUGUESE IVORY AND EBONY INLAID TEAK 'CONTADOR' CABINET, GOA, 17TH CENTURY


in two sections, the upper sections with an arrangement of drawers of different sizes, the lower part with two large drawers

156cm. high, 112cm. wide, 59cm. deep; 5ft. 1⅜in., 3ft. 8⅛in., 1ft. 11¼in.


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This lot contains ivory. Due to recent changes in the laws of many countries (e.g. US, France) Sotheby's recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid. For example, US regulations restrict the import of elephant ivory and prohibit the import of African elephant ivory. Please note that Sotheby's will not assist buyers with CITES licence applications where a buyer elects to either collect or arrange their own shipping, nor will Sotheby's assist with the international movement of ivory by air, either as freight or through hand carry. Sotheby's shipping will only assist in shipping the lot to either domestic UK or EU destinations, where delivery is made by road transport. A buyer's inability to export or import these lots cannot justify a delay in payment or sale cancellation.

The Portuguese settled in Goa in 1510, with this city becoming the capital of their expanding maritime empire. By the 17th century, a true metropolitan hub, Goa was a furniture production centre exporting large quantities to Europe. The present cabinet, with the Portuguese name of contador, was inspired in its shape by its European counterparts, and is archetypical of the Goan production of this century, with its set of twelve drawer fronts to the upper section, all veneered in a geometric inlay pattern that is seen in other smaller caskets, coffers and chests from the period, frequently embellished by gilt copper pierced mounts.


The cabinet is supported by nagini at each corner. These mermaid-like creatures, with their entwining tails, are indigenous snake divinities that are considered to bring good fortune and protection. For related cabinets see Pedro Dias, Mobiliário Indo-Português, 2013, pp.274-281.