A fruitwood inlaid oak, elmwood marquetry, parquetry and ebonised Renaissance coffer, Rhenish or Alsatian third quarter 16th century

with a rectangular top with four recessed panels with a diaper motif above an angled dentil frieze, the front panelled with two stylised brickwork windows enclosing a vase of flowers flanked by arcades with strapwork, the top with diaper motifs, the sides with foliate panels and an iron handle, on scrolled bracket feet

The panels in the top are warped, commensurate with age and there are some minor cracks and old minor chips and scratches. Very attractive detail to the marquetry. There is a section of fruitwood and ebonised parquetry missing from one of the panels at the top, but this can easily be restored. The candlebox is a later replacement. There is some very minor sections of veneer missing and old restorations commensurate with age. A very rare piece. In overall good original condition.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Reinier Baarsen, German Furniture, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, 1998, pp. 16-17, no. 2.
Wolfram Koeppe, Die Lemneers -Danforth-Sammlung Wetzlar, Heidelberg,1992, No. 61, p.127 - 129.

The marquetry on this coffer is typical of pieces originating from Cologne in the latter years of the 16th century. The marquetry tradition that is commonly associated with the South German territories such as Augsburg and Ulm spread to the North with Cologne becoming the main centre of production. Cologne had a long history of furniture making in oak as the dominant material and the Netherlandish influence was very strong and the motifs of Cologne marquetry derive in general from those of Southern Germany, but also display certain distinctive features.

Baarsen, op. cit., p. 17, no. 2, inv. no BK-KOG-1444, illustrates a buffet cupboard from Cologne, circa 1583, reproduced here in fig. 1, with certain decorative elements similar in style to those on this piece, such as the scrolling foliage, contrast of light and dark woods, and the angled dentil motif on the frieze. The scrolls are inspired by Flemish prints such as those by the Floris brothers of Antwerp, Cornelis (1514-1575) and Jacob (1524-1581). Typical  of Cologne are the pilasters with strapwork motifs.

The stylised window and brickwork on this coffer are typical of the three dimensional almost trompe l'oeil effects being used in marquetry at this time, influenced by Lorenz Stöer's 1567 publication Geometria et Perspektiva. Furthermore Koeppe, op. cit., p. 128, fig. 61, illustrates a schrank from Cologne, late 16th century, with vases of flowers and scrolling foliage conceived in a similar vein to that on this piece. Koeppe, op. cit., pp. 127-128, also illustrates a schrank, from Cologne, late 16th century, with the identical angled dentil motif on the top of the front doors to that on the offered coffer.