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

Details

Description

A rare and exceptional antique Baroque Period Flemish or Dutch bone, horn, molten faux red tortoise-shell, ebony and rosewood lift-top … Read more A rare and exceptional antique Baroque Period Flemish or Dutch bone, horn, molten faux red tortoise-shell, ebony and rosewood lift-top chest with drawer, circa 1725, mounted on a later stand.

17th/18th century, European 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 merchant or nobility. Similar documented examples were typically custom one-of-a-kind commissions and created for a specific function, this example likely serving as a silver chest for safely storing the clients fine silver flatware, a few other possibilities include use as an important document, coin and valuables box, luxurious travel coffer or traveling merchant writing correspondence chest.

This visually striking masterpiece, finished in dark ebonized rosewood, against panels of warm rich red simulated 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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