Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more

AN INDO-PORTUGUESE BRASS-MOUNTED, EBONY, BONE, IVORY AND TORTOISESHELL-INLAID CABINET-ON-STAND

LATE 17TH CENTURY, THE STAND LATER

Details

AN INDO-PORTUGUESE BRASS-MOUNTED, EBONY, BONE, IVORY AND TORTOISESHELL-INLAID CABINET-ON-STAND
LATE 17TH CENTURY, THE STAND LATER
Inlaid with geometric stars overall, the doors with later painted panels to the reverse enclosing an arrangement of seventeen drawers, the reverse with trellis parquetry, the stand with tapering square legs joined by stretchers
56 in. (142 cm.) high; 41 ¾ in. (106 cm.) wide; 20 ½ in. (52 cm.) deep

Provenance

Almost certainly supplied to David Guardi Ker (1779-1844), for Montalto, Co. Down, and thence by descent to the present owner.

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. All sold and unsold lots marked with a filled square in the catalogue that are not cleared from Christie’s by 5:00 pm on the day of the sale, and all sold and unsold lots not cleared from Christie’s by 5:00 pm on the fifth Friday following the sale, will be removed to the warehouse of ‘Cadogan Tate’. Please note that there will be no charge to purchasers who collect their lots within two weeks of this sale.

Lot Essay

This form of cabinet is an example of what was often reproduced in India under Portuguese patronage. These cabinets were often constructed with many internal compartments for holding personal property and were a common possession amongst the many merchants and traders living and travelling in Asia. An Indo-Portuguese coffer with similar geometric inlay, sold anonymous sale, Christie’s, South Kensington, 26 February 2003, lot 228.

More from Three Collections: The Collection of Mr & Mrs David Ker, Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler, Property from a Distinguished German Private Collector

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