A Franco-Flemish Baroque specimen-marble-mounted, lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlaid ebony cabinet second half 17th century

on later stand

Overall in very good condition. Ebony with some small and minor age cracks. Central recess with one ivory tile replaced. Cracks to mirrors with some losses to silvering and crystallization. One base mount to column of central interior drawer loose. Old labels to drawer interiors. Exterior inlay generally in good condition with central squares to door fronts with the most extensive cracking. Some losses to inlay on door centers. Some old worm damage to backboards.
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.

The floral pattern on the exterior of the cabinet is done in a technique called laque incrusté, or inlaid lacquer, which is an imitation of both Italian scagliola and Asian lacquer, and is often found on seventeenth-century pieces from Antwerp. The design has been carved into the ebony and filled with a colored lacquer substance of beeswax mixed with tiny fragments of marble, and, in this case, pieces of mother-of-pearl. Another cabinet with this same technique was sold Sotheby’s London, December 12, 2001, lot 130.