An Indo-Portuguese ivory-inlaid micromosaic cabinet, Gujarat, India, 16th-17th century

of rectangular form, with four registers of drawers with two long at the base, two double and four single in the middle and four individual at the top, each decorated in sadeli with two circular medallions with central star motif in inlaid mother-of-pearl and ivory, connected by subtle foliate scrolls, with a thick ivory border with brass studs, the sides with a large inlaid roundel on a ground of simple bifoliate sprigs within a border of small rosettes in inlaid ivory with central brass studs

Losses and associated repairs, minor loss to ivory inlay to the bottom of the middle left drawer, some small replacement ivory-inlaid parts to the drawers, 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 cabinet belongs to a group of wooden objects produced in the regions of Sind and Gujarat primarily for the Portuguese market.  The technique of sadeli, a micromosaic of woods and metals arranged in geometric patterns, is a particular characteristic of Sindi-Gujarati work inspired by Persian khatamkari work from Shiraz, though the micromosaic technique was also used independently in different parts of the Muslim world including Muslim Spain and Ottoman Turkey.

In 1626 Francisco Pelsaert commented that in Sind "ornamental desks, draught-boards, writing cases and similar goods are manufactured locally in large quantities; they are very prettily inlaid with ivory and ebony, and used to be exported in large quantities to Goa and the coast-towns." From these coastal staging posts the goods would have been exported to Europe where they were highly prized for their exotic, decorative materials (Jaffer 2002, p.18).