An ivory, horn and mother-of-pearl powder horn, Kotah, Rajasthan, India, 19th century

the wood body of nautilus shell form, the surface covered with a mosaic of buffalo horn inset with ivory quatrefoils and mother-of-pearl rosettes within a black composite ground, the top with a central turned ivory stopper, two metal loops to side

overall in good condition, minor areas of loss to black composite ground, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This piece is an example of the distinctive parquetry work produced by the small town of Etawah in the state of Kotah. The earliest references to the town's production were at the Calcutta International Exhibition of 1882-3 and the Delhi Exhibtion of 1902-3 (see Watt 1904, pl.43a.)  A comparable piece can be seen in The David Collection (see von Folsach 1990, no.286).  Similar pieces have been sold in these rooms13 October 2004, lot 146 and 25 May 2005, lot 82.