Bidspirit auction | OTTOMAN LEVANTINE MOTHER OF PEARL

OTTOMAN LEVANTINE MOTHER OF PEARL INLAID CASKET, C. 1800 - An Ottoman Levantine mother-of-pearl and dark-inlaid wooden casket, Jerusalem or Bethlehem, late 18th or early 19th century, circa 1800. Of rectangular form with a domed hinged lid and low bracket feet, the exterior is veneered in engraved and carved nacre plaques set against black geometric diamond and triangle mosaic. The front features a vertical keyhole flanked by two concentric sunburst medallions enclosing low-relief floral urns amidst black-incised botanical sprays accented with tiny red dots, while the cover centers on a radiating medallion framing a carved eagle, and the rear pairs checkerboard and lozenge panels below two iron strap hinges. The vermilion-painted interior comprises three compartments, a front iron lock, and a loose unpainted wood divider, with the inner lid bearing a partially torn gilt-and-black paper seal of Saint George slaying the dragon beside a faint black ink inscription reading ”1741 - 56.” Holy Land, Islamic, Palestinian, Christian, pilgrim, souvenir, coffer, trunk, box, antique, marquetry, decorative Dimensions 14 x 8 x 8 in. All measurements are approximate. Condition Overall fair to good condition consistent with age and manufacture. Mother-of-pearl plaques exhibit age yellowing, surface wear, minor edge chips, small mosaic losses, and one later replaced plaque with purple ink drawing on the lid. The wooden carcass displays longitudinal base splits, a corner foot repair, an absent lockplate, and a loose unpainted interior panel.