An Indian black and gilt lacquer chest on stand, Bareilly mid 19th century

decorated with chinoiseries within a scrolling floral and foliate band, the stand with splayed legs and paw feet

This attractive chest needs some restoration namely to the stand which has two breaks to legs and signs of old repairs. There are minor losses to chest decoration, namely to the edges and relief lacquer. Marks and scratches consistent with use and age, loss to left hand side edge of lid, lacquer with nice craquelure, some retouching to gilding. the interior is red lacquered.
"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."

This chest comes from Bareilly in Eastern India. The area was renowned for the production of Western style furniture with Chinese style lacquered decoration, often using Western floral patterns. A related suite of furniture, probably from nearby Patna, is illustrated in a watercolour of about 1780 depicting the leading social figure, Lady Impey in the dressing room of her Calcutta house (A. Jaffer, Furniture from British India and Ceylon, London, 2001, p. 255, fig. 15 and p. 267, fig. 117).