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Coffer

1600-1700 (made)
Place of origin

Coffer with arched top, marquetry of wood, bone and ivory, with engraved ivory plaques in front; the lockplate and handles of gilt metal. With key.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Key
  • Coffer
Physical description
Coffer with arched top, marquetry of wood, bone and ivory, with engraved ivory plaques in front; the lockplate and handles of gilt metal. With key.
Dimensions
  • Height: 53cm
  • Width: 73cm
  • Depth: 43cm
Object history
Bought for £14 from Baron Matteis of Naples. J C Robinson's report on possible acquisitions from the Matteis collection, dated May 13th 1864, notes "an arched topped coffer of the 17th century in ebony and ivory marqueterie with a certain originality of character might also be purchased if the price was very reasonable."
Historical context
Comparable objects
Dome top casket with ebony and ivory. 17th century Lombardy. Sold by Peter Petrou (at some point before Dec 2016).
Bibliographic reference
Ancient and Modern Furniture & Woodwork in the South Kensington Museum, described with an introduction by John Hungerford Pollen, (London, 1874), p. 36. 'Box. With arched top, marquetry of wood, bone and ivory; engraved ivory plates in front; the lock plate and handles of gilt iron. South Italian. 17th century. H. 1 ft. 9 in., L. 2 ft. 3 ½ in. Bought, 14l. These plates contain, on the right, the story of Perseus and Andromeda, on the left the metamorphosis of Daphne.'
Collection
Accession number
575:2-1864

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Record createdMay 4, 2005
Record URL
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