An ivory-inlaid sandlewood boudoir chest, India, 18th Century

of rectangular form, the hinged cover opens to reveal a mirror set against a red leather background, the interior with various compartments, including covered wooden square boxes, four glass perfume bottles, two red leather trays in the centre with various jewellery partitions, with a drawer below containing glass inkwells and pen and paper sections, the exterior composed of sandalwood inlaid with ivory and incised with lac, featuring a central flowering stem emanating from a mountainous tuft, flanked by two small rocky outcrops, bordered by scrolling tendrils issuing fleshy floral and vegetal motifs, the sides inlaid with further vegetal and floral motifs, with lock and keys

In general good condition, few scratches and scuffs to surface, some replacement inlay and one restored foot, the internal leather trays with some knicks, metallic lining to some of boxes peeling off, 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."

The exotic floral and vegetal designs displayed on the current lot relate closely to the motifs found on Indian trade textiles of the same period. These fanciful motifs would have been derived from European botanicals that were imported to India from the sixteenth century onwards.