An Italian pietre dure mounted ebony casket, Florentine, Grand Ducal workshop late 17th/early 18th century

of rectangular form, with a raised top with concave sides opening to reveal a later velvet-lined interior above panelled sides all mounted with pietre dure panels with various flowers, leaves and scrolled acanthus, including roses, tulips and cornflowers within gilt-metal ripple-cut borders on later ebonised flattened bun feet with gilt-metal beaded collars

In overall good conserved condition. Colours slightly darker and more natural than in the catalogue illustration. Very miniscule chip to the ebony above the keyhole. The feet are possibly later and one has the ebonising which is worn revealing the light wood. Attractive choice of stones.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Alvar González-Palacios, Il Tempio del Gusto,  Vol. II, Milan, 1986, pp. 60-62.

A Florentine casket of very similar form with birds on branches, sold Sotheby's, Château de Groussay, 3rd June 1999, lot 554.

This casket, a product of the Florentine Grand Ducal workshop of the late 17th/early 18th century, combined the earlier Roman taste for pietre tenere mosaic with Milanese hardstone sculpture. The primary purpose of the workshop was to manufacture furnishings for the Grand Duke's residences and to distribute these type of objects to foreign royalty as ambassadorial gifts.