Very Rare, 17th Century Spa Mother of Pearl Writing Box with Inlaid Brass Wire

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About the Item

Incredible workmanship and highly collectible antique box, late 1600s. When it comes to collectible and high value boxes, this little gem from the 1680s is right up there with the rarest and most beautiful ever made. In the late 1600s the city of Spa in (what was then still referred to as) the low countries, was a highly fashionable place among rich Europeans. They would visit Spa to seek cures from the local waters and local craftsmen started creating these amazing boxes in the Asian styles, because they were very much 'en vogue' in those days. The hand-sawn, hand-engraved, colored and meticulously inlaid mother of pearl motifs are of a quality and beauty that is unsurpassed. Apart from the striking floral motifs there are sea creatures, but also squirrels and flying bees. In Asian cultures these inlaid animal sculptures always have a deeper meaning and that too is what makes this truly ancient box extra special. Apart from the detailed mother of pearl inlay there also are many feet of scrolling copper wire inlaid in this solid teakwood box. Only the most talented and skilled artisans were capable of creating these remarkable works of beauty. These rare boxes still command high prices at the most famous auction houses in the world, but we have decided to offer this unique antique to the 1stdibs community first. Unfortunately this rare antique cannot be purchased by our American clients, because the US governments prohibits any mother of pearl items from entering the country. However, within Europe this stunning and ancient box can be sold without any restrictions. This exotic and colorful antique is great value for money. Also, because our price includes perfect packing and free worldwide shipping from our store to your door in just 4 days. Maximum width x depth x height when closed: 8.5 x 5.4 x 3.1 inches. We have a passion for the unique, for quality, for stylish yet practical and for craftsmanship of years gone by. Your purchases will be extremely well packaged and we look forward to serving you (again). You can shop all our 1000+ listings by pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'.

Dimensions:
Height: 3.1 in (7.88 cm)Width: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Depth: 5.4 in (13.72 cm)
Style:
Chinoiserie (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Copper,Lacquer,Mother-of-Pearl,Wood,Cast,Dyed,Engraved,Hand-Carved,Hand-Crafted,Hand-Painted,Inlay
Place of Origin:
Belgium
Period:
Late 17th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1680s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. The lock is missing and very little of the inlaid copper wiring is sticking out just above its grooves. Please also read our item description.
Seller Location:
Lisse, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: FiGQ332286eur1stDibs: LU2341320170662

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