A rare Indo-Portuguese mother-of-pearl kendi, Gujarat, India, 17th Century

comprising three nautilus shells with mother-of-pearl and brass mounts on a tall foot, with a long, gently splayed neck with relief petal-design on the shoulders, one shell inset with a mother-of-pearl strainer, designs secured with metal pins

In general good condition, minor parts of mother-of-pearl replaced, notably on foot, part of mother-of-pearl overlay on base of base missing, 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."

Of South-East Asian origin, the ‘kendi’, or pouring vessel, was traditionally associated with a ritualistic function, notably as a vessel for holy water. Also for everyday usage, its widespread production in ceramic and metalwork is widely documented. The present kendi, of luxurious quality, bears eloquent witness to a tradition of European taste for rare goods made of exotic materials dating back to the Renaissance period (Jaffer 2002, p.42).

Fashioned from three shells of the marine snail Turbo Marmoratu, the present kendi is similar in form to one in the British Museum composed of two turbo shells, also overlaid with mother-of-pearl plaques secured by brass pins (inv. no. OA.2642). For further examples, see: Lisbon 2002, pp.123-14, cat.no.26.