AN OTTOMAN TORTOISESHELL, MOTHER-OF PEARL AND IVORY VENEERED HARDWOOD CHEST of rectangular form with drop front, the exterior covered with large panels of tortoiseshell unadorned save for a delicate ivory cusped cartouche outline within a similar panelled broad border, the panel and leading edges with strips of ivory, associated contemporary steel loop handles, the front flap folding down to reveal nine graded drawers, the front of each with designs in mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell including graduated triangles and rows of stylised cypress trees, the upper lozenge panels and centre front outline also inlaid with white metal strips, the inside of the flap with similar inlaid geometric designs, late 17th/early 18th century (restorations) | Christie's

Lot 173

173

AN OTTOMAN TORTOISESHELL, MOTHER-OF PEARL AND IVORY VENEERED HARDWOOD CHEST of rectangular form with drop front, the exterior covered with large panels of tortoiseshell unadorned save for a delicate ivory cusped cartouche outline within a similar panelled broad border, the panel and leading edges with strips of ivory, associated contemporary steel loop handles, the front flap folding down to reveal nine graded drawers, the front of each with designs in mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell including graduated triangles and rows of stylised cypress trees, the upper lozenge panels and centre front outline also inlaid with white metal strips, the inside of the flap with similar inlaid geometric designs, late 17th/early 18th century (restorations)

Details

AN OTTOMAN TORTOISESHELL, MOTHER-OF PEARL AND IVORY VENEERED HARDWOOD CHEST of rectangular form with drop front, the exterior covered with large panels of tortoiseshell unadorned save for a delicate ivory cusped cartouche outline within a similar panelled broad border, the panel and leading edges with strips of ivory, associated contemporary steel loop handles, the front flap folding down to reveal nine graded drawers, the front of each with designs in mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell including graduated triangles and rows of stylised cypress trees, the upper lozenge panels and centre front outline also inlaid with white metal strips, the inside of the flap with similar inlaid geometric designs, late 17th/early 18th century (restorations)
14 7/8 x 9¾ x 10 3/8in. (37.5 x 24.6 x 26.5cm.)

Lot Essay

The exterior of the box demonstrates a rarely found example of the Ottoman plain tradition in these materials. From the exterior the box has many similarities with Indian boxes of the same period, but the interior places its origins definitely within the Ottoman sphere.

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