A Gentleman’s Cabinet of Curiosities | The Collection of the late Naim Attallah, CBE
A Gentleman’s Cabinet of Curiosities | The Collection of the late Naim Attallah, CBE
An 'alla certosina' cut-steel mounted bone inlaid walnut coffer probably Spanish, 17th century and later
No reserve
Lot Closed
November 23, 04:21 PM GMT
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
An 'alla certosina' cut-steel mounted bone inlaid walnut coffer, probably Spanish, 17th century and later
profusely inlaid with geometric patterns, the top with later leaf carved border, on a later moulded plinth raised on trestle supports with unusual terminals carved with dogs heads
51.5cm. high, 86.5cm. wide, 60cm. deep; 1ft. 8¼in., 2ft. 10in., 1ft. 11½in.
The technique of certosina is a type of inlay work, originating in the 15th century. It most like came to Italy and Spain through the trade in similar objects or through the work of emigre craftsman from Islamc centres such as Cairo and Damascus. Geometric patterns were created using polygonal tesserae in rare woods, bone, ivory, metal and mother-of-pearl. The techinque was especially popular in Lombardy and Venice. From around the third quarter of the 15th century to the 17th century, this highly skilled marquetry technique was employed by craftsman and highly sought after. Seen most usually in fine cassone, as in the present lot, in cabinets and in seat furniture panels too.
The pierced lock plate and flamboyant hasps to the interior suggest a Spanish origin for the present lot.
The pierced lock plate and flamboyant hasps to the interior suggest a Spanish origin for the present lot.