A LARGE CARVED MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND WOOD CHEST WITH CALLIGRAPHIC IMPLEMENTS, PROBABLY JERUSALEM, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

A LARGE CARVED MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND WOOD CHEST WITH CALLIGRAPHIC IMPLEMENTS, PROBABLY JERUSALEM, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

the wooden rectangular chest with curved edges, decorated with carved and engraved mother-of-pearl plaques fastened with metal pins, featuring roundels on the cover containing three mosques, spandrels and borders containing bird and foliate motifs, the front with two roundels featuring lions, with key-hole opening, brass handles on each side, the hinged lid revealing wooden interior with mirror, lower compartment with two drawers to each side supporting a tray with further inset lidded compartments and a curved tray for pens, drawers and compartments with later additions of ivory handles, calligraphic implements included in lot: a carved mother-of-pearl makta and finial, a scissor, four knives: two with tortoiseshell and coral handles, one with marine-ivory handle, the other with jade and coral handle

(8)

chest: 21.5 by 58 by 32.4cm.

Condition Report:
The exterior with some damage to front of box and associated signs of restoration, including remnants of adhesive, some of the mother of pearl plaques missing, also wooden bands bordering external decoration with few sections missing, some damage to few of the plaques and general wear associated with age and use, the interior with some replacement knobs to compartments, also with some wear and signs of old restoration, the calligraphic implements not original to box, one carved mother of pearl implement with late restoration, as viewed.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."