λ AN ANGLO-INDIAN BONE-INLAID PORTABLE WRITING CABINET (VARGUENO)
Possibly Gujarat or Sindh, India, 19th century

Of rectangular shape, raised on four globular feet, the exterior profusely inlaid with bone marquetry in concentric bands of rosettes and diamond-shaped patterns, the innermost frame with circular 'eyed' bands, the front lid opening to reveal a fitted interior comprising nine drawers, all with shaped metal pulls, and a central stained bone openwork lattice plaque in red, green and purplish blue, with a metal escutcheon lock in the middle, and further floral borders encasing each drawer.

36.4cm x 26cm x 25.5cm

The pierced coloured bone inlays, the floral motif design, and the beaded 'eyed' circle decorations bear close resemblance to documented examples of marquetry furniture produced in Kutch or Surat, dating to the late 18th - early 19th century. These chests were often created to supply the export market ignited by European clientele, who used them as portable writing or stationary cabinets.

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