Indo-Portuguese Cabinet on Stand (SOLD)
Goa, India
Circa 1680
This teak and sissoo wood cabinet is inlaid with ivory and ebony in the form of stars and interlocking circles with pierced gilded mounts. The open shelf below is flanked by Naginas, secondary gods of the Hindu pantheon who are protective spirits of rivers, lakes and fountains. The Western inspiration for this cross-cultural piece of furniture is that of a 17th century cabinet on stand and although Indo-Portuguese cabinets of this type are also characterised by distinctive elements such as dense arabesque inlay and abstracted designs, there is no precedent in any one European or Indian tradition.
height 131 cm width 90 cm depth 50 cm (51.5 in x 35.5 in x 20 in)
Bibliography:
Luxury Goods from India A Jaffer, Victoria & Albert Museum 2002 p.24
Mobiliari Vol 2 Freire, Lisbon 2002 p.81