A Mughal tortoiseshell and ivory-inlaid cabinet, North West India, 18th century

of rectangular form with hinged gabled lid and double fronted doors, decorated with appliques of ivory incised with designs of flowering plants and cypress trees within concentric linear and geometric borders, the lid featuring a tortoiseshell panel on exterior and opening to reveal a mirror on a velvet ground, with an internal sandalwood tray made up of eleven compartments, the interior front with nine panels forming six drawers, each panel with plaques of green stained ivory fretwork and small knop handles, each side with a wood panel sliding up to reveal further three drawers, gilt handles and mounts, with key

Generally in good condition with wear associated to age and use. The ivory panels with some cracks on surface, notably to edges and in some instances, along the incised line, with some minor sections missing and few small replacements, the wooden body in genreally good condition, with some warming, notably to front doors, one of the side bottom panels possibly replaced, few minor sections with replaced wood, notably to interior. The mirror with a crack to right-hand side, some ware to velvet interior, the cotton cord supporting the lid probably a later replacement. Some of the green-stained ivory pieces, as well as two small square drawers and two lids to top drawer missing. Otherwise, colours, design and overall aspect good. 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."

This decorative cabinet is characterised by its ivory panels incised with beautifully stylised flowering plants which echo European herbal designs. It is known that volumes of botanical illustrations were brought to the Mughal court during Jahangir's reign by Jesuits and European physicians. European plants were also found growing in the palace gardens of the Mughal court (Jackson & Jaffer 2004). A seventeenth-century Mughal cabinet with similar green ivory fretwork panels and floral decoration is in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris (Bordeaux 1998, p.124, no.81).

Similar cabinets were sold in these rooms, 25 May 2005, lot 147; 21 October 1993, lot 643, and Sotheby's New York, 30 November 1994, lot 159.