- 137
A Goa 'bezoar' stone and parcel-gilt silver filigree case, India, Goa, 17th century
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description
- gilt silver
the stone most probably composed of a compound of organic and inorganic materials with mercury-gilding, the case in two parts, engraved and pierced with stylised foliage over plain gilt inner body
Condition
The goa stone with some ware and discoloration, including some old scrape marks, and scratches to surface, as consistent with age and use, the case in good overall condition, with some minor cracks around the edges, 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
Bezoars stones were naturally occurring solids (gallstones and hair) found in the digestive systems of certain ruminants (particularly sheep, deer and antelopes), which were once prized for their supposed neutralising effects against poison. The word bezoar is derived from the Persian pād-zahr (antidote). Artificial bezoars, such as this one appears to be, were made by Jesuit priests in Goa and were intended to be used in the same way as natural bezoars: scrapings of the stone were taken mixed in tea or water as a medicine, as is visible on the present stone.
A comparable engraved and pierced Indian silver case and bezoar stone is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 1980.228.1, .2a, b, 3). These cases, which were made for export as well as, presumably, for local consumption, have been variously catalogued as having been made in Goa, Gujarat and North India.
A similar bezoar stone case was sold in these rooms, Dr Heller's Lexicon, 4 December 2012, lot 128.
A comparable engraved and pierced Indian silver case and bezoar stone is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 1980.228.1, .2a, b, 3). These cases, which were made for export as well as, presumably, for local consumption, have been variously catalogued as having been made in Goa, Gujarat and North India.
A similar bezoar stone case was sold in these rooms, Dr Heller's Lexicon, 4 December 2012, lot 128.