Italian, Venice, circa 1600

the base with sliding secret panel, replaced bun feet  

Prince Amaury de Mérode (1902-1980)
Thence by descent

In overall good condition with surface dirt. Minor evidence of worm damage. Bun feet late replacements as is the cabochon hardstone to the middle of the casket ( mentioned in catalogue entry). Lock plate a later replacement with lid now opening by means of steel pin.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

With wood carcase, the casket is painted black, heightened with gilt scrolls and set with mother of pearl panels lacquered with moresque motifs as well as oval agate panels of which the cabochon on the  front central panel appears to be a later replacement. It was made in a Venetian workshop active from the late sixteenth and into the early seventeenth century. A small number of pieces survive including a signed and dated 1593 virginal by Giovanni Celestini which is in the Royal College of Music Museum in London illustrated by Gonzalez-Palacios; it has similar gilt decoration to the mother of pearl panels to the present casket. Note also a book cover now in the Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon signed by Marino Grimani and dated 1597.  A further comparison can be made with a table cabinet in the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, Rome, illustrated by Riccardi-Cubitt and there called Roman.  

The casket was formerly in the collection of Prince Amaury de Mérode (1902-1980) who was a direct descendant of Louis XIV.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. González-Palacios, Il Tempio de Gusto (Milan 1986) vol. I., pp. 307-9, vol. II, pp. 329-31, pl. 698-700, 703; M. Riccardi-Cubitt, The Art of the Cabinet (London, 1992) p.75