An Italian cedarwood cassone Alto Adige, late 16th/early 17th century

the interior with Old Testament scenes possibly the Judgement of Solomon, the floor of the interior branded with inventory, merchant`s or maker`s mark, with a later Georgian brass carrying handle to each side

Lovely colour. Typical wear and loss of decoration to the cover. Losses and chips to moulding.
"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."

Cedar and Cypress were timbers that lent themselves well as preventative materials against insect infestation, making these chests ideal for the storage of textiles - valuable commodities in their own right. This was an attribute that was recognised from the early 16th century when they were first exported to the British Isles. John Houghton reported in 1727 that such chests were made in Venice, for the wood 'resists the worm and the moth, all putrefaction to eternity... nothing outlasts it, or can be more beautiful, especially than the roots of the wilder sort, incomparable for its crisped undulations' . They were considered items of great luxury and with their exuberant decoration they were costly, as not only were they shipped some distance, but had heavy import tax placed upon them.