A Bohemian Baroque mother-of-pearl-inlaid oak, carved walnut and marquetry Eger cabinet, inlaid with the coat of arms of the Roggendorf family of Austria, the panels possibly by Adam Eck. 17th Century

The Roggendorfs were created barons in 1521 and counts in 1537 by Charles V, holy Roman Emporer.

Reference: "Armorial Général" by J. B. Rietstap, Volume II, page 592.

Base and parts of case later, probably late 19th century. With scattered age and construction cracks, dents, abrasions and small losses to carving. Some applied carved decoration detached but present, including some mouldings. In good 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Eger cabinets differ considerably from all other cabinets, in that they were carved in low relief and constructed from different colored woods. Traditionally this art was carried on in the same family and one of the most well known families for this type of work was the Eck family-Peter Eck (b. 1538) travelled from Nurnberg to Eger as a journeyman apprentice but he also was known to be a a sculptor. It was, however, his grandson Adam (1604-1664), who was renowned as an artisan-carver and the records of the city of Eger record for 1643-44 'On May 18th to Adam Eck picture carver the 612 florins to which he is entitled for various desks and board games made between 1640 and 1645, some of which were presented to counts and gentlemen for the promotion of the common weal'. One of the other leading practioners was Johann Georg Fischer (1587-1669) and his work filled the Kunstkammer of the Saxon Electoral Princes, one of which is the Grüne Gewölbe in Dresden.

The technique of the intarsia on these types of cabinet was built up in layers with various types of wood and the carcass was of a conifer such as spruce, pine and fir. For the flat intarsia usually mahogany, walnut and maple were used and for the relief intarsia boxwood, elm or ash, poplar and burr walnut and the woods were utilized for the effect they would have visually. Wood with not much grain was used for representing the sky and water whereas wood which was cut so that the grain was distorted was best for highly figured veneers representing silk for example in representations of allegorical personifications.