A rare Anglo-Indian teak cabinet bookcase by Currie & Co., Calcutta second quarter 19th century

with ebonised details, the interior of the upper section with four tiers of adjustable shelves, the base with twelve folio divisions, the floor of the lower section stamped 'Currie & Co. Calcutta'

Very good re-polished condition with only a few minor old marks and scratches. Please do not hesitate to contact Edward Rising on 020 7293 5507 or email your details to edward.rising@sothebys.com if you would like any more information on this lot.
"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."

By 1830 there were about two hundred and fifty European craftsman and retailers listed as operating within the Empires great mercantile city, Calcutta.

Currie & Co (not to be confused with the shipping line) were one of these companies. They were amongst a group of cabinet makers and retailers catering to the needs of a large and wealthy transient European class.

These companies shared key characteristics; they imported some of their materials from Europe and unitised high quality local materials and timbers, they catered primarily for a European elite, they employed highly skilled local craftsman and they extended long lines of credit to these patrons. It was a very competitive market place and the work produced was not only highly durable but of extremely good quality as is evident in the offered lot.