A Southern Spanish bone and ivory inlaid walnut casket, in Mudéjar style 16th/17th century

of rectangular form, with an iron handle on each side, on later bun feet, the whole inlaid with geometric motifs

Possibly the one sold from the 6th Earl of Rosebery, Sotheby's Mentmore sale, Buckinghamshire, 18th-20th May 1977, lot 901.

In need of some attention. The top and back are very faded and the piece would benefit from a repolish according to taste. Some of the veneers are lifting and are missing but this can easily be restored. The mouldings around the base and inside the lid are later as is the velvet lining and the lock which is signed Chubbs, 100 Queen Victoria Street, London. There is a horizontal crack running along the top with some losses to the chequerboard ivory section. There is also some scattered losses to the inlay generally showing a darker colour than the rest. There are some losses to the border around the base. With later feet. There is evidence of a previous escutcheon
"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 casket is a fine example of the micromosaic furniture that flourished in the post-Nasrid period in Granada throughout the 16th and part of the 17th century. The inlay is often made up of polygonal tessarae of bone, ivory and woods of contrasting colour arranged in geometrical patterns. The technique has its origins in the Caliphate period and is recorded in both Spain and North Africa but was also influenced by Italian intarsia work.

A closely related example is the 16th century chest attributed to Barcelona is in the collection of the Hispanic Society of America. In both examples the inlaid geometrical designs are related to the cellulated patterns on 15th century Mudéjar carpets.

Two identical caskets were sold in these Rooms, as lot 166, Exotica East meets West 1500-1900, 25th May 2005 and as lot 99, Haute Epoque, 1st November 2005.