λ A MUGHAL INDIAN EBONY AND IVORY CABINET GUJARAT OR SINDH

λ A MUGHAL INDIAN EBONY AND IVORY CABINET

GUJARAT OR SINDH, LATE 17TH / EARLY 18TH CENTURY AND LATER

inlaid with scrolling leaf and flower borders and with repeating patterns of flowers on a rosewood ground, with a pair of hinged doors revealing a divided interior with a pair of mahogany drawers, the sides inlaid, on a later, probably 18th century English, ebonised stand, the cabinet later adapted and lacking its original interior

the cabinet: 51.5cm high, 97.5cm wide, 45.3cm deep, overall: 130.7cm high, 98.8cm wide, 46.3cm deep

CATALOGUE NOTE

This present lot with its beautiful inlay of flowers reflects the high Mughal style of setting rows of flowering plants in alternating patterns on a plain ground. This enchanting device is characteristic of the reign of Shah Jahan and can be found decorating buildings erected by the Emperor.

For a very similar example see the Victoria and Albert Museum, South Asia, Room 41, case 16, which is on loan from Dr. and Mrs A. Poteliakhoff.