Madagascar ebony, rosewood, bone, and gilded brass table cabinet

A charming satin and rosewood, ebony and teak collectors’ table-cabinet Sri Lanka, second half of the 18th century Measures: H. 86.5 x W. 62.5 x D. 34.7 cm In the top of the shaped cornice, there is a carving of a butterfly or moth. Under the cornice two panelled doors with scorched chequered motif, and under the doors one long drawer. When the doors are locked, so is the drawer. Behind the two doors, there are eight drawers, suitable to store small collectors’ items, such as a coin collection, or mineral specimens, small shells, collections of animal teeth, etc. The 17th and 18th centuries saw a wide-spread interest in exotic cultures and collecting of botanical, zoological and geological specimens...

This chest on chest is of rectangular form in two sections. The upper section has twelve similar drawers in four registers and carrying handles on the sides. The base has a pair of frieze drawers above a single deep drawer, disguised as a pair, with four handles and flanked by carved Nagini whose monopodia scroll supports are raised on blocks to form the feet. The whole piece is decorated with an overall pattern of interlaced stars and circles embellished with ebony and ivory dots and is applied with brass handles and lock escutcheons. Goanese, circa 1800. This contador blends the traditional form of Western...