A Mexican pen-engraved fruitwood and marquetry cabinet made by German craftsmen from Augsburg/Ulm 17th century

fitted with thirteen drawers, on a modern painted metal stand, with a printed label on the back "Collection de Pitteurs Hiegaerts d'Ordange"

Formerly in the collection of Baron Léon de Pitteurs Hugaerts d'Ordange.
Possibly sold in the sale of the collection of Baron Léon de Pitteurs Hugaerts d'Ordange by Galerie Fievez in Brussels, 14th-17th December 1927.

Overall good condition. The cabinet has been re-finished. There are some losses to veneers particularly to the left hand side and also to the inner edge of the right hand side. The veneer is lifting on the top left hand edge. There are some veneer losses and replaced sections consistent with age. Ten handles are either partially or completely missing. It is a very attractive piece.
"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."

Exhibition Catalogue, El Meuble Mexicano Historia, Evolucion e Influencia, p. 76, cat. 15, illustrates a coffer in similar technique (Coll. Banamex). Furthermore, Lake, la Vision de un Antiquario illustrates a related piece described as Oaxaca.

There is a type of writing desk (bufetillo) which was made in Oaxaca in the 17th century of wood decorated with zulaque similar in conception to this piece is in the Museo Franz Mayer, Mexico City (7-014 06785). It was based on German models which were copies of Spanish prototypes. These `German style' writing chests were made in Oaxaca mainly and their decoration was based often on engravings possibly by the Dutch artist Philip Galle, but executed in a distinctly naïve local style. In Europe, the designs were usually incised in wood using a hot iron but in New Spain the patterns were filled with zulaque a bitumenlike paste of burnt lime, oil, and black vegetable dye extracted from the palo tinte, a tree that is prolific in the region. Inlay was used occasionally but never to produce views of cities and ruins which were so popular in Germany. Figures as on the present example were depicted in 17th century German dress.

For a pair of related Mexican coffers, see lot 129, sold  in these Rooms, 29th October 2003.