An Italian metal and mother-of-pearl inlaid tortoiseshell 'piqué' tray, circa 1750, Naples

Standard wear and surface abrasions. Losses to mother of pearl and metal inlay include: six rectanglular pieces on edge, top of palm tree and small parts of figures in the center. Otherwise very small losses throughout. Very minor restorations and some small regluing. One repaired break and one chip on edge. Otherwise minor chipping. Small specks of residue or pigment splattered in center: these appear to be removable. Needs cleaning. Very high quality.
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.

Piqué work is a technique which probably orginated in Naples at the end of the 16th century.  The piqué posé and piqué point techniques consisted of softening the tortoiseshell in boiling water and olive oil and then impressing designs in mother-of-pearl or precious metal; designs for Neapolitan pieces were often inspired by prints.  A nearly identical tray with a slightly different central vignette from the collection of Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild is at Waddeson Manor (de Bellaigue, op. cit., no. 233).  A tray signed by Antonio Laurentis of Napoli in a private collection (Naples, op. cit., p. 27) features similar ornamental caprices with trumpeting putti, grotesques, and diaper-pattern lattices of piqué-point.

RELATED LITERATURE

G. de Bellaigue, The James A. de Rothschild Collection at Waddeson Manor: Furniture, Clocks, and Gilt Bronzes, Vol. II, London, 1974, no. 233, pp. 830-831
L'arte della tartaruga : le opere dei musei napoletani e la donazione Sbriziolo-De Felice (exh. cat.), Museo Duca di Martina, Naples, December 1994 - April 1995