Chest of drawers - with inlay 'Cabinet Art' (circa 1780) - Bone, Stained wood
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Current bid
€ 120
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Paul Wullems
He accumulated 18 years' experience, worked as junior specialist at Sotheby’s and managed Kunsthandel Jacques Fijnaut.
Estimate € 1,000 - € 1,500
 | €120 | |
|---|---|---|
| €110 | |
| €100 | |
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This antique chest of drawers, dating from 1750–1800, is made of stained wood with bone inlay in geometric and floral motifs.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Exceptional chest of drawers made in Southern Europe or in an Iberian colony (Portugal, Spain, or one of their colonial trading posts in Asia, such as Goa for Indo-Portuguese pieces or the Philippines/Macao for Indo-Spanish pieces) in the 18th century (circa 1770–1790).
Its marquetry is executed in the manner of a cabinetmaker’s marquetry: extremely fine inlays, precise geometric motifs (seven-pointed radiating stars, crescent moons, interlaced circles and borders), and sophisticated handwork reminiscent of 17th- and 18th-century cabinets (often decorated with bone, precious woods, and astronomical or decorative motifs inspired by Indian and Iberian traditions). This approach elevates the piece to the status of an art cabinet: an everyday storage piece treated with the luxurious refinement of productions from Goa or the Philippines.
The main wood is solid walnut. The inlays combine walnut and cherry for the borders and circles, and white bone for the seven-pointed stars, crescents, and central elements. This combination of walnut + inlaid cherry + bone is extremely unusual and points to an innovative workshop or a special commission, applying the craftsmanship of marquetry cabinets to a more everyday chest of drawers.
The structure is rectangular and restrained, with a straight front decorated with three stacked drawers. The top is slightly shaped, the front uprights have flat chamfered corners with linear inlays, and the sides are paneled.
The decoration features stars centered on the keyholes, alternating mosaic borders, crescents, and a floral motif at the bottom of the front. The inlay work is precise and entirely handmade, offering subtle contrasts between the reddish-brown cherry, the dark brown walnut, and the white bone.
The piece has 3 18th-century wrought-iron locks.
The condition is very good for its age: the old patina is authentic, with natural wear to the edges and top, a few scratches, and variations in color that bear witness to centuries of use. The inlays are well preserved, with none missing.
The drawers slide properly.
A rare collector’s piece, this chest of drawers combines a European identity with marquetry executed in the manner of a colonial cabinet, using unusual materials. A unique example on the market.
Given its dimensions, this piece will be shipped via the Brenger carrier (Belgium / Netherlands).
Free collection from my home is, of course, possible.
Exceptional chest of drawers made in Southern Europe or in an Iberian colony (Portugal, Spain, or one of their colonial trading posts in Asia, such as Goa for Indo-Portuguese pieces or the Philippines/Macao for Indo-Spanish pieces) in the 18th century (circa 1770–1790).
Its marquetry is executed in the manner of a cabinetmaker’s marquetry: extremely fine inlays, precise geometric motifs (seven-pointed radiating stars, crescent moons, interlaced circles and borders), and sophisticated handwork reminiscent of 17th- and 18th-century cabinets (often decorated with bone, precious woods, and astronomical or decorative motifs inspired by Indian and Iberian traditions). This approach elevates the piece to the status of an art cabinet: an everyday storage piece treated with the luxurious refinement of productions from Goa or the Philippines.
The main wood is solid walnut. The inlays combine walnut and cherry for the borders and circles, and white bone for the seven-pointed stars, crescents, and central elements. This combination of walnut + inlaid cherry + bone is extremely unusual and points to an innovative workshop or a special commission, applying the craftsmanship of marquetry cabinets to a more everyday chest of drawers.
The structure is rectangular and restrained, with a straight front decorated with three stacked drawers. The top is slightly shaped, the front uprights have flat chamfered corners with linear inlays, and the sides are paneled.
The decoration features stars centered on the keyholes, alternating mosaic borders, crescents, and a floral motif at the bottom of the front. The inlay work is precise and entirely handmade, offering subtle contrasts between the reddish-brown cherry, the dark brown walnut, and the white bone.
The piece has 3 18th-century wrought-iron locks.
The condition is very good for its age: the old patina is authentic, with natural wear to the edges and top, a few scratches, and variations in color that bear witness to centuries of use. The inlays are well preserved, with none missing.
The drawers slide properly.
A rare collector’s piece, this chest of drawers combines a European identity with marquetry executed in the manner of a colonial cabinet, using unusual materials. A unique example on the market.
Given its dimensions, this piece will be shipped via the Brenger carrier (Belgium / Netherlands).
Free collection from my home is, of course, possible.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Specific region of origin
Europe du Sud Ou Colonie Ibérique
Country of origin
Europe
Model
with inlay 'Cabinet Art' (circa 1780)
Material
Stained wood, Bone
Style
Antique
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
91 cm
Width
117 cm
Depth
66 cm
Estimated period
1750-1800
Can Be Locked
No
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