A North Italian bone inlaid `alla certosina' walnut cassone, probably Venice late 15th/early 16th century

with a bronze handle on each side, with a fitted interior with six small drawers, two hinged flaps enclosing a recess and a further sliding lid enclosing a recess, inlaid on the back to form a centrepiece

In very good, well preserved condition. Some of the tiny pieces of bone are missing but have been filled in with a dark wax. There is a small chip in the top to the left of the "chess board". The interior has had its lock removed and the hole for the lock's bolt to the underside of the lid has been filled in. The drawers and compartments have been altered and re-constructed. A fabulous example of its kind.
"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:
A. González-Palacios, Il Tempio del Gusto, La Toscana e l'Italia Settentrionale, Milan, 1986, Vol. I, p. 331, fig. 702, illustrates a cassone in this technique in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, attributed to Venice and dated early 16th century.

The technique employed on this striking cassone  'alla certosina',  is a type of 15th century inlay work made with polygonal tesserae of wood, bone, metal and mother-of-pearl arranged in geometric patterns and was especially popular in Lombardy and Venice. From around the third quarter of the 15th century to around the first quarter of the 16th century, the marquetry technique reached its apogee in Italy. Certainly in Central Italy the marqueteers created works to rival that of the painters in Northern Italy, producing coffers and other pieces of furniture in a uniquely geometric and floral design utilising a technique of cutting out little pieces of wood and tinted bone and ivory.

In the guide to the Musée national du Moyen Age Thermes de Cluny, p. 61, there is illustrated a coffer in this technique.

A cassone in this technique with a chessboard inlaid in the top was sold in these Rooms, Haute Epoque, 1st November 2005, lot 100.