A Flemish repoussé silver-mounted tortoiseshell, ebony and ivory inlaid cabinet on stand, Antwerp, mid 17th century

the removable upper section with a hinged lid enclosing a recess and mirror above two panelled doors, enclosing a fitted interior with a central compartment with a door enclosing an ivory and ebony inlaid parquetry floor with three mirrored sides with later silvered and gilt demi-columns with a balustrade enclosing a door above and with a further drawer below flanked by eight drawers, the interior elaborately decorated with chased silver mounts with infant musicians, scrolling foliage, fruit swags and garlands, with a drawer in the frieze with an iron handle each side, on a later ebonised stand with spirally twisted legs and stretcher, the whole with ripple-cut mouldings

In overall good conserved condition. Old minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age and normal usage as visible from the catalogue photograph. The hinged top has horizonal cracks and a small rectangular patch and the internal recess is a little dry looking and would benefit from a re-polish according to taste. There are vertical and horizontal cracks in the ebony with some minor chips to the veneer and there are evidence of previous hinges. The moulding on the edge of the right door is loose and just needs repinning.The silver needs a light clean and there are some minuscule losses to the repoussé scrolling foliage which are hardly noticeable. There have been some restorations to the tortoiseshell veneer but these have been well executed and not too noticeable. There are some vertical hairline cracks in the side of the cabinet which can easily be filled or left. The iron handles are dirty and the gilding is worn due to age and normal usage. Please note that the stand is later and not 17th century.
"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
Monique Riccardi-Cubitt, The Art of the Cabinet, London, 1992.
Thibaut Wolvesperges, Belgian Furniture 1500-1800, Brussels, 2000.

The art of Antwerp cabinet-making was highly regarded in the period 1600-1720 and as a measure of their success, these cabinets were exported all over Europe and symbolised the wealth and prestige of their owners.

The dynamism of the merchants involved in this trade contributed wholly to their success, families such as the Forchondts, the Mussons and Pieter Van Haecht or a little later the Van Soests.Tortoiseshell cabinets experienced great success in Paris and it is recorded that a Parisian dealer Picard, purchased in around 1655, the entire stock belonging to an Antwerp gentleman called Goetkint.  

The use of tortoiseshell as a veneer originated in Ancient Rome and when tinted with red pigment was used extensively to embellish these sumptuous cabinets which became so fashionable and sought after during the mid to late 17^th century and Antwerp was a major major centre for the production of these architectural cabinets. Antwerp cabinets in ebony and tortoiseshell in the second half of the 17th century were embellished with engraved or embossed silver plaques, a technique which was also being done in Italy and France. Very few pieces have survived as the value of the decorated panels made it possible for them to be sold seperately which contributed to the destruction of these cabinets.  
Almost identical repoussé silver decoration with identical mounts on the drawers and doors can be seen on a table cabinet sold in these Rooms, 28th October 2008, lot 351.