- 264
A carved ivory casket with allegorical scenes, India, Berhampur, 18th/19th century
Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Collectibles - ivory
of rectangular form standing on lion paw-shaped feet, carved throughout with various floral, vine and leaf motifs, the hinged lid featuring a carved plaque with allegorical scenes and figures, keyhole at front
Condition
In general good condition, some hairline cracks in ivory and minor encrustations around carved lines, the underside reveals some small breaks to ivory border and lion-paw-form feet appear to have been re-stuck as vestiges of glue still remain, old paper sticker traces also remain, for professional cleaning and restoration, please consult a specialist, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The city of Berhampur in the district of Murshidabad was host to troops from the East India Company which was renowned for its ivory carvers. Caskets such as the present example were produced in the region as luxury gifts and souvenirs catering to the tastes of the European elites who were based there.
This particular casket is exceptional in foregoing a Christian scene in favour of Classical imagery. The engraving is based on two European prints, one dating from 1579 by Jost Amman, and the other produced by Giovanni Giacomo de Rossi which was published in 1660. Engraved is a citation from Virgil’s Aeneid – “sic itur ad astra” – meaning “thus one journeys to the stars” (Book XI, line 641) and at the centre of the composition is the Roman goddess Victoria, goddess of victory in the “Templum Virtutis” (“Temple of Virtue”). The floral pattern that frames the scene draws from the decorative traditions of South India, and the general style and execution is comparable to an example in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, inv. no.02471 (IS), published in Jaffer 2001, p.263, no.90.
This particular casket is exceptional in foregoing a Christian scene in favour of Classical imagery. The engraving is based on two European prints, one dating from 1579 by Jost Amman, and the other produced by Giovanni Giacomo de Rossi which was published in 1660. Engraved is a citation from Virgil’s Aeneid – “sic itur ad astra” – meaning “thus one journeys to the stars” (Book XI, line 641) and at the centre of the composition is the Roman goddess Victoria, goddess of victory in the “Templum Virtutis” (“Temple of Virtue”). The floral pattern that frames the scene draws from the decorative traditions of South India, and the general style and execution is comparable to an example in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, inv. no.02471 (IS), published in Jaffer 2001, p.263, no.90.