An Indo-Portuguese mother-of-pearl dish, Gujarat, India,16th century

of shallow rounded form on a short brass foot with narrow serrated rim, constructed of a double-wall of arched and rectangular plaques of mother-of-pearl secured by metal pins with a central radiating flowerhead

In overall good condition, some ware to base, few minor mother-of-pear pieces on rim possibly replaced, 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."

With the upsurge of trade and exploration during the Renaissance period, European interest in objects of ethnographic and artistic appeal grew and it is not surprising to find a number of similar mother-of-pearl dishes in important European collections. 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. A similar mother-of-pearl dish with a ribbed rim was documented in the Royal Danish Kunstkammer in 1689 (illustrated in Copenhagen 1980, p. 123, inv. no. EBc68). Such dishes, with their rich translucent appearance, would have presented particularly prized additions to a collection of exotic luxury goods.