AN OCTAGONAL SILVER FILIGREE BOX WITH LID, POSSIBLY SUMATRA, LATE 17TH/18TH CENTURY |

of octagonal form, on four rounded feet, the rim decorated with eight handleds in the shape of stylised clouds

In good condition, minor residual of silver polish in the holes of the filigree, minor dents, as viewed.
"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."

“There is no manufacture in that part of the world; and perhaps I might be justified in saying, in any part of the world, that has been more admired and celebrated than the fine gold and silver filigree of Sumatra.” William Marsden F.R.S., 1780.

In the recent past more attention has been given to the filigree production in South East Asia and especially West Sumatra. This area had been under the control and protection of the Dutch United East India company (V.O.C.) since 1663. The VOC had their headquarters in Batavia, modern day Jakarta and from the end of the seventeenth century onward, the production of filigree in the region and its trade with Europe increased, becoming one of the main products of export (for several examples and an extensive discussion on the subject see Veenendaal 2014, p.133).

The West Sumatran filigree is quite distinctive from that produced in the rest of Asia, and is characterised by "curls of thread...generally interspersed with little ovals. The arrangement looks like a tiny plant with two leaves and a flower" (Veenendaal 2014).

For an extensive study of filigree produced in Sumatra, see the catalogue note of a turbo shell cup and stand with parcel-gilt silver filigree and Lazurite reserves, attributed to China or Sumatra, circa 1680-1720, sold in these rooms, 4 July 2018, lot 11.