An Ottoman mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell and ivory calligrapher's chest, Turkey or India, 17th/18th century

decorated with tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl polygons in a stellar pattern on top, with ivory and metalwork criss-cross borders and palmettes in front, the drawer opens to reveal three compartments and one underneath, on four bracketed feet

In general good condition, some small ivory and bone sections missing, others restored, few of the mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell plaques also with restoration (some replaced) or surface cracks with some repairs, light general ware to surface consistent with age and use, 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."

Cabinets of such quality of design and workmanship were used by an elite group, including statesmen, scholars and calligraphers. A similar seventeenth-century cabinet is illustrated in McWilliams and Roxburgh 2007, p.51, fig.32. An almost identical calligrapher's cabinet is found in the Sakip Sabanci Museum, Istanbul (inv.no.SSM 195-0574).