GUJARAT, INDIA, 17TH CENTURY

Details

A MOTHER-OF-PEARL SMALL CHEST
GUJARAT, INDIA, 17TH CENTURY
Of rectangular form, on four bracket feet, with coffered top, each side with scale arrangements surrounded by borders of rectangular panels, the interior and underside with similar rectangular mother-of-pearl panels, with iron hinged and trefoil-shaped clasp
5 x 8 x 4 5/8in. (12.8 x 17.8 x 11.7cm.)

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Sale room notice

Please note that this casket is probably later than 17th century and can be dated 18th or 19th century.

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Lot Essay

This casket is typical of a group of mother-of-pearl inlaid boxes with bevelled lids usually attributed to 17th century Gujarat. They share the same technique of manufacture with mother-of-pearl panels maintained by small pins, a similar rectangular shape with bevelled lid and the same precious veneer, mother-of-pearl panels sometimes highlighted with lac.
Despite only seven complete caskets with bevelled lids recorded in 1982 by Simon Digby, this group is however "the most numerous class of Gujarati mother-of-pearl works". Others have appeared on the Art market since then (S. Digby, in Facets of Indian Art, Victoria and Albert Musem, London, 1982, p.218). See also Christie's, 12 October 2004, lot 199, 7 October 2008, lot 265, 31 March 2009, lot 214.

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