Caixa-escritório indo-portuguesa, Mogol, séc. XVII

Caixa-escritório indo-portuguesa, Mogol, séc. XVII
Indo-Portuguese, Mughal, 17th century box-workshop, in teak and other woods, with a folding top. Interior with six drawers, simulating eight. Profuse inlaid and marquetry decoration, with different woods and ivory partially dyed green and graffitied representing floral and plant motifs, figures and animals, the top with figures riding elephants and the front decorated with a couple sitting at a table, in front of a vase with a tree of Life, flanked by figures holding everyday objects. Back with incised decoration of trees and a frieze with plant scrolls. Iron guards. Metal handles. Keyhole mirror in the shape of a double-headed eagle (gandaberunda). Back base in wood. Failures, wear, shortages and defects. Dim. box approx: 24.3 x 41 x 28.5 cm.; Dec. approx. base: 74.5 x 42 x 32.5 cm. The sgraffito and ivory dyeing accentuate the expressiveness of the figures and animals. For a similar piece, see: Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva Foundation, Museum - School of Portuguese Decorative Arts, p. 41, Inv. 46