An Anglo-Indian Veneered Ivory-Veneered and Silver Mounted Toilet Mirror, Vizagapatam, circa 1790

with an original beveled mirror plate above a fall front enclosing a sandalwood and ivory veneered interior fitted with shaped drawers and pigeonholes, the silver lock-plate being finely engraved, the drawer below with divisions, the reverse with a panel of sandalwood within engraved ivory banding.

Very good condition with usual age cracks and lifting to ivory veneers, minor losses and repairs to edges; mirror plate and silver mounts/lock appear to be original, backboard to mirror later, finials to mirror supports possibly later, age cracks to veneers with inpainting and replacements to case, especially to sides of case, underside of fall front lacking 4" piece, drawer front with replaced 3" piece to lower section at right, lifting to veneer of right side flanking drawer, interior with age cracks to sandalwood, nut to left drawer handle replaced, back of case with ivory banding, feet probably original
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.

The design of the present piece is taken directly from a contemporary English example, its workmanship being typical of furniture and other objects produced by Indian craftsmen in Vizagapatam. Intended for members of the East India Company and wealthy English merchants, item such as these, as seen in this lot, were decorated with designs which are clearly related to the patterns found on the chintz fabrics produced in the same area.  

 

See:
Amin Jaffer, Furniture From British India and Ceylon, London, 2001