Indian cabinet decorated with hunting and court scenes - Lot 201

Indian cabinet decorated with hunting and court scenes Inlaid exotic woods, ivory and stained ivory, brass India, Gujarat or Sindh, 16th century 16.5 x 27.5 x 19.7 cm Weight: 2.291kg The trade in portable furniture inlaid with ivory and stained ivory developed on the west coast of India, in the regions of Sindh, Gujarat and Goa, from where they were exported in large numbers throughout Asia and to Europe. This model, designed to carry personal effects, opens with a central flap, revealing six drawers. The exterior inlaid decoration on each side features various characters in gardens: courtiers and courtesans, surrounded by birds perched in trees, including a falconer on his horse on the top shelf. These scenes are framed by friezes of flowery foliage, while the various decorative registers are separated by ivory fillets, and the edges adorned with ivory fragments. Inside, the drawer fronts are adorned with birds and plant motifs, and centered with small brass catches. The inside of the flap depicts a lion chasing a caprid in a luxuriant garden, framed by a floral frieze. This scene is repeated on the back of the cabinet. Also noteworthy are the delicate brass wire inlays representing the branches, underlining the various motifs. The brass nails used to hold the large ivory elements forming the figures have been cleverly arranged to represent the jewels. For similar cabinets in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. n°1598-1903 and n°885-1905), see : JAFFER A. (2002), Luxury Goods from India, the art of the Indian cabinet-maker, V&A publications, n°7, pp. 28-29. (Old restorations, small bone additions on the edges, some missing, visible wear and cracks). CITES certificate issued on 17/11/2023