A fine ivory-inlaid sadeli cabinet, India, Gujarat, 17th Century

of rectangular form with hinged drop front revealing seven panels with six drawers each with drop handles, decorated with sadeli panels bordered by narrow bands of ivory and stained wood, brass loop handles to sides, the top and front inlaid with ivory floral scrolls and roundels, quatrefoil lock-plate and key

in good overall condition, loss to ivory inlay with associated consolidation and restoration, 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 table cabinet is a fine example of the marquetry and sadeli decoration associated with a group of cabinets manufactured in Sind and Gujarat. They occur from the mid-sixteenth century following the introduction of the micromosaic technique to Sind from Shiraz, a notable Persian centre of production (Jaffer 2001, p.313). A comparable drop-front cabinet is in the Victoria and Albert Museum (Jaffer 2002, p.19). The same forms of decoration are used on another drop-front cabinet in a private Portuguese collection (Dias 2002, p.31).