Indo-Portuguese Cabinet on Stand
Probably Goa, India
Circa 1680
The cabinet or contador is of Padouk wood inlaid with ebony marquetry, with ebony banding and lozenge design to the base. The scrolling feet are inlaid with a stylised bird motif which scholars have associated with Oatayu, King of the Vultures and a central character in the Ramayana.
This cabinet is closely related to the one held in the V&A Collections
height 120 cm width 85 cm depth 46 cm (47 x 33.5 x 18 in)
Provenance: British Private Collection since the 19th Century
Bibliography: Luxury Goods from India Amin Jaffer, V&A Publications 2002