A 17th century teak, ebony and ivory standing cabinet or contador – £13,000 at The Pedestal.
Most surviving examples use mermaid-like figural supports on the base which may correspond to naginis, the female snake-like demi-gods of Hindu iconography that are symbolic of prosperity.
The Goanese attribution is in part based on the survival of the church furniture (fitted chests of drawers and cabinets) in the Sacristy of the Bom Jesus in Old Goa that, made sometime between 1654-98, is closely related in style.
Popular for their exotic materials and the quirky fusion of East and West, this example sold for £13,000 (estimate £6000-8000) at the Fine Interiors sale held by The Pedestal (25% buyer’s premium) in Henley-on-Thames on July 28.
