An Indo-Portuguese Mother-of-Pearl Dish, Gujarat, India, 17th Century

of circular form with rounded edges and an everted, narrow bracket-edged rim, constructed of double-walled plaques of mother-of-pearl held by metal pins, the plaques configured in the well as an open lotus flower

In general good condition, probably originally constructed with a short foot, very small crack on one plaque on reverse (not visible from front), 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."

Gujarat, in Western India, represented a centre for mother-of-pearl work which was in high demand both locally and abroad. Records from the Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault) in Dresden indicate that Gujarati mother-of-pearl wares were being imported to Europe from as early as the second quarter of the sixteenth century. The commissioning of such wares was particularly associated with the Portuguese. These precious objects would have reached the courts of Europe via merchants during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, as high-value gifts and luxury imports. A number of similar dishes are in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 4282-1857 and 4283-1857).