Spanish Colonial, probably Mexico, circa 1800

Overall the condition of the casket is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are some areas of restoration to the tortoiseshell, notably to the side panels of the body, the back panels on the body and to the right corner panel and top right panel on the lid at the back. There is restoration in particular to the edges, notable on the lid and on the body at the front. Some of the silver may have been restored/ replaced. There is stable splitting to the tortoiseshell throughout. There is stable splitting to the wood consistent with material. There are some scratches and abrasions (including an arched scratch to the underside). There is minor warping to the tortoiseshell consistent with age and material. There is wear to the paint work, including some glue residues in the centre of the lid near the man. The velvet lining is recent. The lock does not appear to function.
"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."

Demand for tortoiseshell goods flourished in Europe after Catherine of Austria, Queen of Portugal (1507-1578), adopted it as her material of choice for exotic diplomatic gifts. Many tortoiseshell objects were exported by Spanish, Dutch and Portuguese trading companies and this fine example would undoubtedly have been made for the European market. The silver piqué decoration on the exterior recalls the incised decoration (in particular the coat of arms with a double-headed eagle) found on a Mexican 17th/ 18th-century casket sold in these rooms on 2 July 2013, lot 103. The double-headed eagle signifies the Spanish ruling classes. Conversely the presence of Jaguars can be associated with the traditions of the Bakairi, an indigenous American Indian tribe, who believed that two twin Jaguars, 'Kame' and 'Keri' separated the Heavens and the Earth and taught humans civilisation. The  painted decoration on the interior featuring a man in late 18th/ early 19th-century dress, indicates that the casket was made circa 1800. The Neoclassical silver lion feet add further credence to this.

RELATED LITERATURE
M.Pall (ed.) Locked Treasures. Caskets and Cabinets from Around the World, cat. Hans Schell Collection, Graz, 2006, p.84, no. 66