Hispano-Philippine, circa 1700

Overall the condition of the Ivory and Baldachino is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surfaces consistent with age. Here follows a more detailed analysis of the constituent parts. The ivory is in particularly good condition having been protected by clothes. There is a small plug in the top of the head probably plugging the natural pulp cavity in the tusk (which is also evident in the two dark indentations in the proper left leg). There is minor wear to the polychromy which is probably original, and some dirt to the surface of the ivory. There is naturally occurring grain in the ivory. There is minor general wear to the textiles, all of which appear to date to circa 1700 (including the silk damask cover on which the baldachino stands). The collar of the lavish coat with gold foliate designs has come loose and there is no seem tying the backing to the back sections. Some seams of the textiles are loose. Some wear to the gold and silver threads. The Baldachino is generally in very good condition. There are some losses and general wear to the enamelled elements. Some of the filigree has bent or worn over time, as is to be expected. However most of the attributes and dazzling array of silver creatures appear to be in tact. There may be some losses to the lower filigree panel on the pillow side of the bed. There may originally have been filigree panels over the lower corners. One of the columns has lost its filigree beehive shaped foot. There are some small losses to some of the filigree elements, including to the side of the bird surmounting the canopy. This bird and the crowning frame appear to have been cleaned. One of the arms of the pillow side chandelier is lost. Some greening including to around the surmounting urn. General tarnishing to the silver. It is possible that some of the glass and other attributes could be later. Indeed, as with a charm bracelet, attributes may have been added over the years. A small number of the small bells around the canopy appear to be lost. The wood base is in stable condition. The glue of the modern glass case has dried and so the case is very fragile; it should be moved with caution. The silk damask covering on the base is unattached.
"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."

This fantastical devotional Infant Christ in a Baldachino finds its closest closest comparison in an Indo-Portuguese, Goan, example in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. IM.16-1915). Note the similar hanging ornaments. The ivory Christ, however, recalls Hispano-Philippine models, compare with those illustrated in Estella Marcos (op. cit., nos. 23-26). The present Baldachino has wonderful detailing, in particular the silver filigree bird at the top and the chandeliers suspended from the canopy.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Estella Marcos, Ivories from the Far Eastern Provinces of Spain and Portugal, Monterrey, 1997, nos. 23-26, pp. 82-83; M. Trusted, Baroque and Later Ivories, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2013, pp. 373-374, no. 369