ITALIAN, PROBABLY VENICE, EARLY 15TH CENTURY | CASKET

ITALIAN, PROBABLY VENICE, EARLY 15TH CENTURY
CASKET

bone, certosina wood and horn, on a later ebonised wood core, with gilt metal mounts, and velvet lining to the interior
15 by 19cm., 5⅞ by 7½in.

Condition Report:
Overall the condition of the casket is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. One of the bone panels at the front of the casket is loose, and there is glue residue visible to this panel and around some of the other panels. There is a slightly open but stable split to the panel at the front left of the centre. There is general dirt and minor veining to the bone throughout, and there is particular dirt in the crevices. There is wear to the bone corners of the lid. There are some restorations and replacements to the certosina wood and horn, in particular to the horizontal horn bands on the upper part of the lid, where the horn has been replaced with wood in several places. The handle on top is slightly warped. the interior is lined with velvet. There is minor evidence of past worming to the underside, and there are remnants of an old paper label.

"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."

Provenance:
Michahelles collection, Hamburg;

its sale, Sotheby's Amsterdam, 27-28 September 2006, lot 832

RELATED LITERATURE

P. Williamson and G. Davies, Medieval Ivory Carvings. 1200-1550. Part II, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2014, pp. 844-849, nos. 278 and 279