Walnut, ivory
Western India, probably Gujarat, 17th/18th century
Rectangular fall-front cabinet with 6 interior drawers
Floral Mughal ivory inlays
Two ironwork handles at the sides
1 key
Provenance: Private collection, Germany
Dimensions: 26 x 40.4 x 30.5 cm (height x width x depth)
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The present fall-front cabinet dates back to the 17th/18th century and was probably manufactured in Gujarat, West India. The rectangular corpus can be presented as a freestanding unit and is decorated with elegant ivory inlays, revealing a regular pattern of naturalistic Mughal flowers and floral cloud bands. The details of the flowers and leaves are characteristically accentuated with lac. The fall-front door is lockable and hides six drawers inside. The large central drawer is fitted with a central lock, whereas the five surrounding drawers are fitted with red-stained and turned ivory knob handles. The cabinet can be carried by two lateral ironwork handles.



A similar ivory inlaid cabinet is kept in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.



Condition:

The cabinet is in good condition considering its age. The ivory inlays show small material losses and have been partially restored. Besides, there are small marks with scattered losses of material, especially regarding the edges and corners of the cabinet. The locks appear to have been added later and can be used with the provided key. The cabinet measures 26 x 40.4 x 30.5 cm. (cbo)



Literature:

Jaffer, Amin: Luxury Goods from India: The Art of the Indian Cabinet-Maker, London 2002, p. 62-63, no. 24.

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