Rare Sadeli-Work Bombay Armchair Late 19th Century

An elegant example of late-19th-century Bombay craftsmanship, this finely detailed armchair is distinguished by its intricate sadeli work — the traditional micro-mosaic technique composed of minutely cut slivers of ebony, ivory, bone and exotic hardwoods arranged in geometric tessellations. The entire frame is enriched with these delicate inlays, creating a shimmering graphic surface characteristic of the finest workshops of colonial Bombay.

The gently scrolled arms and shaped, pedimented top rail lend the piece a sculptural silhouette, while the later cheetah-print drop-in seat provides a striking contemporary counterpoint, emphasising the chair’s exotic lineage.

Wear and marks consistent with age and use attest to its long life and authenticity. A rare and decorative survivor of a highly sought-after Indian export tradition, combining virtuoso craftsmanship with an unmistakably cosmopolitan aesthetic.