North Italian, 17th century

Sotheby's, London, 7 July 2006, lot 120

Overall the condition of the casket is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some stable splitting to the ivory, in particular to the top and sides of the lid. There are a few small losses to the ivory, including to the lower left corner of the top panel on the lid, the top left corner of the front panel, the lower right corner of the left lower side panel, the lower right corner of the back panel, and to the edges and corners of the panel on the concealed draw. The wood feet appear to be later replacements and glue residues are visible. There is evidence of non-active worming to the wood, mostly to the underside. A few of the thin ivory edges may have been reattached. The velvet lining to the interior is largely detached, behind which is a printed paper lining. There is some tarnishing to the mounts.
"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."

This beautiful casket compares with an Italian ivory coffer with gabled lid, which was sold at Sotheby's, London, 5 April 2006, lot 119. Another was sold in the Ernst Brummer Collection sale, Galerie Koller and Spink and Sons, Zurich, 16-19 October 1979, lot 75. This example was catalogued as 'Hispano-Mauresque or Sicily, c. 1200,' presumably because of its similarity to earlier Siculo-Arabic caskets, many of which exhibit the same attractive simplicity and also have gabled lids. The facture of the present casket nonetheless confirms a dating to the 17th century. It is distinguished by the charming addition of a concealed draw in the lid.