Pair Of 19th Century Indo-portuguese Cabinets

Pair of cabinets in ebony, rosewood, and teak veneer and marquetry. Decorated with arabesques, circles, stylized rosettes, and bone dots. The front consists of 8 drawers, simulating 12 lock entries, and solid silver handles with period hallmarks. The legs open with two drawers in the belt decorated with animals and diamonds. Portuguese work from the 19th century, circa 1850.
Perfect condition, restored in our workshop.
H x W x D = 123 x 64 x 37cm.

In 1498, Vasco da Gama established the first Portuguese trading post on the Malabar Coast in India. They sought to trade in spices (pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon). They were the first to reach the Malabar and Coromandel Coasts, and then to establish trading posts there. By 1536, most of the coasts of the Indian subcontinent were under Portuguese rule. The Portuguese presence was accompanied by the Jesuits, in order to develop the Christian faith and Western culture among the elites of the subcontinent.
The presence of Portuguese merchants and the Jesuits who accompanied them to teach and disseminate Western culture among the local elites led to the production of a number of everyday objects with a highly decorative character. The caskets and portable cabinets, then in vogue at the court of Lisbon, were the spearheads.
Portuguese rule peaked in the 17th century when it encompassed the rich territories of Bombay and Goa.

Our pair of cabinets, although 19th century, is inspired by the so-called "Contador" furniture. It is a hybrid piece of furniture, straddling two continents and two mythologies. It reflects the architecture in vogue at the court of the House of Braganza in the late 17th century. Its teak, rosewood, ebony, and bone inlays, and its solid silver fittings enhance the floral motifs inspired by Mughal albums. Its overall composition, its inlaid decoration of star-shaped circles, and its base formed by anthropomorphic figures are typical of the excellence of Indo-Portuguese art intended for a cultured and wealthy European clientele with exotic tastes.

Plus points:
- presented as a pair, rare on the market and therefore sought after.
- the rich marquetry, made up of a variety of exotic woods, is very well done,
- the lock entries and handles are made of passive silver, which accentuates the quality of the furniture's finish,
- perfect condition, restored in our workshop.