Spanish or Dutch Colonial, circa 1700

Overall the condition of the casket is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some stable splitting and warping to the tortoiseshell consistent with the material and age. There are holes in the silver border on the left side of the lid for now lost screws/ pins. There is dirt in some of the crevices of the pierced mounts and there is some oxidation to the silver consistent with material. There are some small chips and abrasions to the tortoiseshell (particularly to the underside where the tortoiseshell is thin in areas). It is possible that one or two of the tortoiseshell pieces at the back and to the underside may have been reattached. The interior has been relined and the key is lost.
"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 incised decoration and pierced silver mounts adorning this very fine tortoiseshell casket compare with Mexican caskets from circa 1700, such as that in the Hans Schell collection (inv. no. 4669). The present casket differs from many of these examples, however, in having a wood core. Given similarities with the Dutch colonial casket published by Lorenzelli (op. cit., p. 139, fig. 157), it might be considered, therefore, that this casket is a rare example made for export to the United Provinces by the V.O.C.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Lorenzelli and A. Veca (eds.), TRA/ E Teche, pissidi, cofani e forzieri dall'Alto Medievo al Barocco, cat. Galleria Lorenzelli and Antiquaria, Bergamo and London, 1984, p. 139, fig. 157; M. Pall, Versperrbare Kostbarkeiten aus der Hans Schell Collection, Graz, 2006, p. 64, no 66