A TORTOISESHELL AND STAINED-IVORY CASKET, INDIA FOR THE EXPORT MARKET, LATE 17TH/18TH CENTURY |

the wood carcass of rectangular form with hinged lid and six drawers disguised as eight to the front, with knop-form handles, two metal key plates, decorated with tortoiseshell appliques with gilt foliate motifs, cut-ivory plaques on a foiled ground designed as flowering plants, green stained-ivory borders, interior with an internal tray made up of multiple compartments and drawers, lid interior lined with velvet, back plain, with key

In fair condition, recent restoration to certain areas, notably the wood frame and consolidation to some of the decorative tortoiseshell and ivory plaques, some of the openwork ivory cut designs with some breaks and warping, the foiling to reverse of this ivory also discolored with encrustations and sections missing. The lid with part of the large tortoiseshell plaque to centre possibly restored with another section (slight variation in coloration), some of the other tortoiseshell plaques with cracks or areas with restoration and overpainting, sections of green-stained ivory warped or missing, the gilt designs on the tortoiseshell plaques to front of case slightly rubbed and partly missing, the interior in good condition, one of drawers blocked, the velvet slightly worn, as consistent with age and use. 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 casket is characterised by its ivory panels incised with beautifully stylised flowering plants which echo European herbal designs (A. Jackson & A. Jaffer (ed.), Encounters, The Meeting of Asia and Europe, 1500-1800, London, 2004). A seventeenth-century Mughal cabinet with similar green ivory fretwork panels and floral decoration is in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris (see Les Indes et l'Europe: Echanges Artistiques et Heritage Commun 1650-1850, Bordeaux, 1999, p.124, no.81).