A post-nasrid walnut and bone-inlaid chest, Probably Barcelona, Spain, 16th Century

of rectangular form, inlaid with bone and wood tesserae, decorated to the front with three square panels featuring an inlaid stellar design with a cross-hatched frame, two vases in between emanating a floral bouquet, surrounded by a band of scrolling leafy tendrils, the hinged top and sides with geometric stellar roundels, back and interior plain   

In overall good condition, comprised of walnut wood with bone inlay, later lock and hinges with some patching to underside, notably in area around lock, including filling and colouring of timbers near lock on external surface, replaced section to top left-hand border and old repair of band near back, plinth possibly later (19th century) replacement, some shrinkage and warping to the sides consistent with age, few pieces of inlay decoration missing or replaced in certain areas, as viewed.
"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."

The bone and wood inlaid decoration on this beautiful chest is close in style to a cassone in the Victoria and Albert Museum attributed to Barcelona, dated 1550-1560 (inv. no. 7224-1860). The frontal design on both pieces is particularly notable in the inclusion of two vases from which spring a batch of tall floral stems. These were designed in two tones to give a sense of perspective and are associated with Renaissance motifs that have been used in the dating of these pieces (Rosser-Owen 2010, pp. 89-90). Another chest, dated to the end of the fifteenth/beginning of the sixteenth century, also inlaid with ivory and wood, features a chessboard, transforming the piece into a games-table (Holländer 2005, pp.86-86, no.59).

Furthermore, it has been suggested that the references to chests said “alla veneziana” (in the Venetian style) in sixteenth-century Italian inventories may allude to the style of inlaid decoration such as on the present chest.  On the other hand, the overall design, with its intricate geometric arrangements and star-burst motifs are reminiscent of Nasrid architecture and its rich patterns of design.