French, Limoges, 13th century

Ruiz collection, Madrid, until 1949;
with Ernest Brummer, New York;
his sale, Galerie Koller, Zurich, 17 October 1979, lot 234

P. Koller and I. Kahane, The Ernest Brummer Collection, Vol. 1: Medieval and Renaissance Art, Hamburg, 1979, pp. 356-357.

Overall the condition of the object is good with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age and handling. One end of the lid is riveted shut; there is some stress and tearing to the metal around these rivets. The gilding has largely rubbed off the metal. There is some warping to the upper and lower edge and the ends of the lids. There are several losses to the enamel, including to the tips of the lids and around the rivets on the closed end of the lid. There is a loss to the tip of the boat at the side of the lid that opens. There are a few nicks and scratches, including to the edge of the foot.
"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 type of boat-shaped vessel for incense, with swirling foliate enamelling, was first produced in Limoges around the beginning of the thirteenth century. 'Navettes', after the French for 'small ship', often feature small gilt handles in the form of dragons' heads, presumably thought to protect the contents. A similar navette is in the Musée de Cluny in Paris (inv. no. 11157), and another, with similar open-worked knops, sold in these rooms on 9 July 2009, lot 7.