An Indo-Portuguese brass-mounted inlaid ivory, ebony and rosewood contador Late 17th century and later

in two sections, the upper section fitted with and arrangment of short drawers and flanked by two bail handles, the lower section fitted with a pair of short drawers above one deep long drawer raised on scrolled feet headed by term figures.

Overall good condition; the lower section altered with later back boards, later drawer runners, the drawer front to bottom drawer with later wood supports to sides; later bottom.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Goa, on India's west coast was a great trading center and Port. Colonized by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, a thriving furniture production developed. The present cabinet which is based on traditional Portuguese design, would have been made either for the local Portuguese inhabitants of Goa, or for export to Europe. The romanticism of its origin, together with the exotic woods and veneers used, had great appeal for the European market.

The present contador is similar to two contadors now in the Museum-School of Portuguese Decorative Arts, in Lisbon (illustrated in Guide, Museum-School of Portuguese Decorative Arts, Lisbon: 2004 pp. 40-43, Inv. 79, Inv. 80.) each having very similar supports in the form of nagini, which are Hindu deities in the form of female human torso with serpent or mermaid's tail, 'whose continuous change of skin conveyed the idea of renewal and eternal youth.  Said divinities were associated with the water element – the vivifying element that springs up in springtime.'(op. cit. p. 40)  Its geometrical inlay is almost identical to that of Inv. 80 which is influenced by Islamic geometrical patterns.