Lot 239
239
SPANISH COLONIAL, MEXICO OR PERU, LATE 17TH OR EARLY 18TH CENTURY
SPANISH COLONIAL, MEXICO OR PERU, LATE 17TH OR EARLY 18TH CENTURY
SPANISH COLONIAL, MEXICO OR PERU, LATE 17TH OR EARLY 18TH CENTURY
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Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more
SPANISH COLONIAL, MEXICO OR PERU, LATE 17TH OR EARLY 18TH CENTURY

CASKET

Details
SPANISH COLONIAL, MEXICO OR PERU, LATE 17TH OR EARLY 18TH CENTURY
CASKET
Mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell on an ebonised wood core, with silver mounts and feet and with a red velvet lining
8 ¾ x 6 ¼ x 5 5/8 in. (22.3 x 15.5 x 14 cm.)
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.

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Lot Essay


This luxurious mother-of-pearl casket is one of a rare group of Spanish colonial boxes covered in mother-of-pearl inlay divided by thinly cut tortoiseshell borders. These are thought to originate from Mexico or Peru; compare to a large desk and bookcase in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. W.3:1-7-1943). However, a finely engraved mother-of-pearl sewing box in the Patricia Phelps de Cisneros collection is catalogued as 'Peru or Philippines', with reference to artists from Manila producing such pieces for export to the vice-royalties (Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Arts in Latin America, 1492-1820, exh. cat., J. Richel, ed., 2006, no. 1-24).

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