- 139
An Indo-Portuguese ivory-inlaid cabinet, Gujarat or Sind, 16th century
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
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Description
- ivory, wood brass
decorated throughout with ivory and green and brown-stained ivory with an abundance of figures and animals in various activities, notably, men riding elephants, on horseback, men and women conversing under a tree, men in European (probably Portuguese) costume riding and holding a lance, the top with winged senmurvs carrying away small elephants, the hinged lid opening to reveal six drawers disguised as eight, decoration en-suite, with double-headed eagle metal locks and two keys
Condition
In good overall, very few minor sections missing, some hairline cracks in ivory, few hairline cracks, appears to be re-varnished, some minor consolidations and infill, 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
This beautiful cabinet belongs to a small group of Indo-Portuguese cabinets on which European, primarily Portuguese, figures are represented. They are recognisable by their outfits, characterised by slightly bouffant trousers, waisted shirts, and hats with an upturned flap. Similar figures can be seen on examples in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, inv. no. 2000.301 (Dias 2013, p.104).
Another quite special decorative feature on this casket comes in the form of the winged senmurv carrying small elephants in their beaks and claws. This is also a rare motif, with Persian origins alluding to the ancient senmurv, symbolising divine glory or good fortune, and usual nesting in the Tree of Knowledge. These appear on an altar converted into a table now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv. no. IS.15-1882, Jaffer 2002, pp.34-5), and also on a contador in the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Lisbon (Dias 2013, pp.326-7). See p.*** for a further illustration of this lot.
Another quite special decorative feature on this casket comes in the form of the winged senmurv carrying small elephants in their beaks and claws. This is also a rare motif, with Persian origins alluding to the ancient senmurv, symbolising divine glory or good fortune, and usual nesting in the Tree of Knowledge. These appear on an altar converted into a table now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv. no. IS.15-1882, Jaffer 2002, pp.34-5), and also on a contador in the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Lisbon (Dias 2013, pp.326-7). See p.*** for a further illustration of this lot.