Lot 107
  • 107

SPANISH COLONIAL, MEXICO, PERU OR PHILIPPINES, LATE 17TH/ EARLY 18TH CENTURY | Sloped Casket

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
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Description

  • Sloped Casket
  • mother of pearl and tortoiseshell on an ebonised wood core, with silver mounts, and with a modern green velvet lining and mirror to the interior
  • 15.5 by 44.5 by 39cm., 6 1/8  by 17½ by 15 3/8 in.

Condition

Overall the condition of the casket is good, with minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are minor losses to the tortoiseshell inlay throughout. There is some natural veining to the mother-of-pearl throughout, consistent with the material.There are a few reattachments to the mother of pearl, with some glue residue slightly visible. There are also a few minor losses and reattachments to individual sections of the mother-of-pearl. There is some painted retouching, including at the corners of the lid. There are a few small holes around the lock, indicating the existence of previous mounts. The key is lost. There is some oxidation to the silver, consistent with the material, as well as a few minor nicks and scratches. The interior has been restored with modern fabric and a mirror. The underside is lined with modern fabric.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Asian-influenced objects in precious materials such as mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell became highly prized luxury goods in the Americas. This large and beautifully decorated casket counts among a small number of surviving Spanish Colonial boxes covered in mother-of-pearl inlay divided by thinly cut tortoiseshell borders. These are sometimes thought to originate from Mexico or Peru; compare examples illustrated in op. cit. 2000, no. 82 and Marcos, op. cit., fig. 28, as well as a large desk and bookcase in the V&A (inv. no. W.3:1-7-1943). A finely engraved mother-of-pearl sewing box in the Patricia Phelps de Cisneros collection, however, is catalogued as 'Peru or Philippines', with reference to artists from Manila producing such pieces for export to the viceroyalties (Richel, op. cit., no. 1-24). The attractive silver mounts on the present casket are contemporary with the object. A comparable domed casket with silver mounts was sold at Christie's London on 10 November 2005 (lot 14).

RELATED LITERATURE
El Galeón de Manila, exh. cat. Hospital de los Venerables, Seville, Museo Franz Mayer, Mexico City, Museo Histórico de Acapulco, Fuerte de San Diego, Acapulco, Madrid, 2000; J. J. Richel (ed.), The Arts in Latin America, 1492-1820, exh. cat. The Philadelphia Museum of Art et al., 2006; F. Marcos, Las Artes del Nuevo Mundo, exh. cat. Coll & Cortés and Marcos e Marcos, Madrid, 2011