AN INDO-PORTUGUESE GILTWOOD AND EBONIZED BEDSTEAD KERALA FOR THE EUROPEAN MARKET, PART 17TH CENTURY

The headboard is 17th century. An extraordinary object. Later gilding with rubbing and wear revealing black under paint. Some scattered age cracks and some of these with old repairs. There is a horizontal age crack that runs cross the top and which goes through the neck of the figure of 'Justice'. The back of the headboard with gold paint and ebonized decoration; also with wear and rubbing. The side rails and structure of the bed are later. the carved panels in the base are finely executed but are most probably later in date than the actual headboard. There are some minor old chips to this carved detail. Ebonized decoration to bed frame with some losses and small chips. Some losses and wear revealing core timber. The gilding and ebonized decoration to the base also with some larger chips and losses as visible in the catalogue illustration. Rare and impressive. This lot is to be offered without reserve.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.