Wednesday 19 June 2024
An Indo Portuguese gilt tortoise shell and ivory openwork and green stained ivory partially...
View MoreLot 35
Description
An Indo Portuguese gilt tortoise shell and ivory openwork and green stained ivory partially veneered cabinet,
Coastal Portuguese possessions, Western India, circa 18th century and later
Rectangular, the gilt foliate decoration possibly added post completion, now rubbed, the ivory fretwork consisting of repeating elegant scrollwork, each veneered panel with stained ivory border, with nine front drawers, each with ivory bulbous knops, the hinged flat lid opening to reveal a red stained compartmented interior including drawers, one lock missing, the other lock with key, repaired and restored
30 x 42 x 27.5 cm
Ivory exemption reference:
QEBAKB5U
Lot Footnotes
Such cabinet made for export and also aimed at the colonial officials and intended to accompany their owners on postings or travels were originally made with a fall front in order to protect the drawers, their knops, the inside lock mechanisms and, to a certain extent, the contents. As those and their larger counterpart made to contain larger possessions such as garments and crockery were considered luxury items it is relatively rare to find intact cabinets and caskets. Our example demonstrates this common usage of repairs and rehabilitation. Our cabinet lacks its front and shows older repairs or changes to its tiered and compartmented inside. There is notably a space of approximately 1.5/2cm at the very back of the drawer section. It may suggest the former presence of a fall front, possibly irremediably damaged or hint at the needs of a less peripatetic new owner. The skilled cabinet maker may have brought the inner set forward in alignment with the flat top, re-fashioning the upper compartmented tray in the process and repurposing the lock, giving our cabinet its actual appearance. It is to note the mother of pearl panels, ivory fretwork and borders do not show marked signs of repairs or of deformation despite this likely intervention.
A comparable17th-century Mughal cabinet with green-stained ivory and floral decoration, is kept at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris (Les Indes et l'Europe: Échanges Artistiques et Heritage Commun 1650-1850, Bordeaux, 1999, p.124, no.81). Another cabinet with similar green stained ivory bands sold at Christie's London, 22 July 2020, lot 43. Christie's noted a provenance by repute to Henrietta, Countess of Bessborough, wife of Frederick Ponsonby, 3rd Earl of Bessborough (1758-1844).
Fees & VAT
Buyer's Premium
The buyer shall pay the hammer price together with a premium thereon of 26% up to £20,000 (31.2% inclusive of VAT), 25% from £20,001 - £500,000 (30% inclusive of VAT), 20% from £500,001 thereafter (24% inclusive of VAT). The premium price is subject to VAT at the standard rate.
VAT
VAT is not charged on the hammer price unless it is stated that there is 'VAT applicable on the hammer price at the end of the description. Buyer's premium is subject to VAT.(ARR) - ARTIST'S RESALE RIGHT
Qualifying living artists and the descendants of artists deceased within the last 70 years are entitled to receive a re-sale royalty each time their work is bought through an auction house or art market professional.
It applies to lots with hammer value over £1,000 as follows:
0 to £50,000 - 4%
£50,000.01 to £200,000 - 3%
£200,000.01 to £350,000 - 1%
£350,000.01 to £500,000 - 0.5%
Exceeding £500,000 - 0.25%
ARR is capped at £12,500
Please note ARR is calculated in euros. Auctioneers will apply current exchange rates.
Export of goods
Buyers intending to export goods should ascertain whether an export licence is required before bidding. Export licences are issued by Arts Council England and application forms can be obtained from its Export Licensing Unit. Details can be found on the ACE website www.artscouncil.org.uk or by phoning ACE on 020 7973 5188. The need for import licences varies from country to country and you should acquaint yourself with all relevant local requirements and provisions before bidding. The refusal of any such licences shall not permit the cancelling of any sale nor allow any delay in making full payment for the lot.
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