17th/18th Century Antwerp Ebonized Wood Mottled Red Tortoiseshell Antique Standing Box Silverware Chest

Details

Description

A rare and exceptional Baroque period Flemish or Dutch red tortoiseshell, bone, horn, ebony, and rosewood lift-top chest with drawer, … Read more A rare and exceptional Baroque period Flemish or Dutch red tortoiseshell, bone, horn, ebony, and rosewood lift-top chest with drawer, circa 1725, mounted on a later stand.

17th/18th century, Low Countries region (Netherlands / Flanders), Antwerp school, exquisitely crafted of rare precious woods and exotic luxurious materials, this chest would have been an extremely expensive piece of furniture at the time and highly treasured, most likely owned by a wealthy European merchant or nobility, these pieces were typically custom commissions for a variety of functions, likely originally serving as a silver chest for storing fine flatware, or an important document case / traveling merchant coffer / writing box.

A visually striking masterpiece, finished in dark ebonized rosewood, against panels of warm rich red tortoise shell veneer, coveted for its bright amber hued brownish red coloring, distinct patterns and organic warmth, framed by contrasting bone and horn string banding, arraged in a clean simple geometric heart motif, accented with intricately carved trim molding.

The rectangular wooden case affixed with a hinged flat projecting corner shaped top, lifting open to reveal spacious interior compartment with remnants of old lining, over a single lower concealed drawer.

Now fashioned as a chest on stand / standing casket / occasional table, mounted on a later custom made wood stand, with fitted base raised on square straight legs accented by pierced cutout spandrel, in an ebonized black paint finish.

Dimensions: (approx)
28.75" High, 22" Wide, 16" Deep

Condition:
Overall in very good antique condition, especially considering its nearly 300 years old!

Attractive appearance, with nicely aged patina that adds warmth and depth, heavily worn with lots of antique character and charm, evidence of numerous old repairs and past restorations, touchups, nicks, abrasions, accretions, and minor scattered losses, all wear consistent with age, use, handling & display

Later / not original stand. Replacement hinges. Remnants of old interior lining with staining, discoloration and tonal variation. Overall strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Presents well.

Delivered cleaned, waxed, with hand rubbed polished patina, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment!


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