A SOUTH AMERICAN COLONIAL HARDWOOD, TORTOISESHELL, ROSEWOOD, BRASS AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL-INLAID CABINET (MUEBLE ENCONCHADO)**

Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more

THE PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR (LOT 385)

A SOUTH AMERICAN COLONIAL HARDWOOD, TORTOISESHELL, ROSEWOOD, BRASS AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL-INLAID CABINET (MUEBLE ENCONCHADO)**

18TH CENTURY

Details

A SOUTH AMERICAN COLONIAL HARDWOOD, TORTOISESHELL, ROSEWOOD, BRASS AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL-INLAID CABINET (MUEBLE ENCONCHADO)**
18TH CENTURY
In two sections, the canted D-shaped superstructure with turned finals and a pair of drawers over a single long drawer above columnar supports, the conforming lower section with a pair of bowed doors flanking a central configuration of a cabinet door surrounded by seven short drawers, over two further long drawers, on bun feet, the whole inlaid with elaborate foliate and geometric decoration, one lock stamped 'CAT. LEVER', originally probably with a further base, feet now with short dowels underneath, finials replaced probably in the 19th century
65 in. (165 cm.) high, 71 in. wide (180.25 cm.) wide, 20½ in. (52 cm.) deep

Provenance

Anonymous sale; Sotheby's New York, 5 November 1998, lot 372.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

Mueble enconchado, or mother-of-pearl-inlaid furniture, was a sumptuous and highly sought-after style in Colonial Latin American society, which originated in the Spanish Philippines in the early 17th century. The use of rare and expensive materials such as mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell inlay decoration made them grand showpieces. The prototype was made as a wedding gift for the grand-daughter of the Viceroy of Peru and is now in the Dallas Museum of Art (H. Hayward, World Furniture, New York, 1965, p. 106, fig. 371). A similar cabinet to the present example, with a smaller conforming superstructure, is illustrated in J. Rishel and S. Stratton-Pruitt, The Arts in Latin America 1492-1820, 2006, pp. 491. It is dated to the 18th century and is now on display in the Museo Pedro de Osma in Lima Peru. A closely related cabinet was sold anonymously, Christie's, New York, 21 November 1995, lot 50. A further related cabinet was also sold anonymously by Christie's, New York on 11 January 1994, lot 151.

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