Indo-Portuguese box/cabinet. Possibly Goa, 17th century.

Indo-Portuguese box/cabinet. Possibly Goa, 17th century.
Rosewood with bone marquetry.
Metal fittings and corner pieces.
Interior drawers with secret.
Measurements: 17 x 28,5 x 20 cm.

This cabinet or chest is a magnificent example of sumptuary art from the Portuguese colonies in India, specifically the Indo-Portuguese style of Goa during the 17th century.

Conceived as a portable desk cabinet, designed to hold valuables, documents or spices, it is made of rosewood, whose rich grain provides a perfect contrast to the bone inlay: the marquetry, made with small fragments of bone inlaid into the dark wood, covers the entire surface, interior and exterior.

The lid features a dense, synthetic geometric and floral pattern. There are interlocking circular elements (wheels and chains) forming a continuous loop covering the entire surface, framed by decorative bands along the edges. The sides exhibit similar repetitive and rhythmic patterns. This heavy use of inlaid bone is typical of Goa furniture.

The front lid opens downward to reveal the interior drawers. The interior is cleverly organized: nine drawers arranged in three rows of three, a common design for storing sorted items (jewelry, coins, stamps, etc.) Each drawer is also decorated with a marquetry pattern combining lattice-like reticular panels with small inlaid slats. This accentuates the visual contrast. The side drawers and lower center drawers are equipped with leaf-shaped metal handles.

The interior drawers contain "secrets": it was common in this type of cabinets to have small compartments hidden behind moldings or false bottoms, and even marquetry panels that slid out unexpectedly.

This piece is a testimony to the cultural exchange that took place in Goa, the capital of Portuguese India. It combines European woodwork and forms (the concept of a small drawer cabinet) with rich materials and local Indian decorative techniques, creating a luxurious and exotic style that was highly prized in European courts and as a prestige item for Portuguese merchants.