A particularly fine late 18th century Vizigapatan miniature bureau bookcase of engraved ivory veneered on sandalwood carcass. India, ca 1780. © 2012 MALLETT ANTIQUES

The broken pediment top with central column and architectural finial, is finished on all sides. The upper part is divided into one long central top drawer and four smaller drawers beneath, with cupboard doors on each side opening to reveal fitted interiors. The fall front conceals an interior with curved drawers and central columns flanking pigeonholes and sits above one long drawer fitted with its original dressing mirror. The whole stands on shaped bracket feet. H: 36.5 in (92.7 cm). W: 24.0 in (61.0 cm). L/D: 11.0 in (27.9 cm)

The ivory throughout is elaborately patterned with ink engravings of fantasy European architecture amidst pastoral landscapes. Each scene is framed by elaborate scrolling foliate and floral decoration with pomegranates, sunflowers, lotus flowers and entwined fruit. The sides and top are further engraved with elaborate trees and birds within natural borders. The cresting has a pair of rampant lions to the front and flowers on the reverse, while the bracket feet are decorated with animal masks. http://www.mallettantiques.com