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A two-door Indo-Portuguese cabinet on stand depicting Portuguese nobleman hunting scenes, ca. 1560-1630

Exhibited by São Roque, Lisbon

Material Teak, ebony, rosewood, sandalwood, ivory, bone, brass, iron and gilt-copper

Dimensions 127 × 97 × 52 cm

Place of Creation India, probably Thane

Price Available upon inquiry

Status Vetted

About the Work

This large two-door cabinet on a stand was likely produced in Portuguese-ruled Thane. When opened, there are two figures in local dress, underscoring the nuptial character of the piece. Among other scenes, the drawers depict Portuguese nobleman with spears or shooting at tigers.

Given that 16th century Portuguese records mention Thane as home to a flourishing community of Muslim craftsmen and as a furniture production centre, it is probable that this cabinet originated in Thane, then part of the Portuguese State of India.

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