A Spanish colonial writing box, cedar with tortoiseshell and bone inlay, 18th century, supported on a 19th century European chinoiserie stand

PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF MR DARREL FARRELLY, MELBOURNE

the extensively inlaid box having a lift up lid opening to reveal a plain interior with a silver inlaid tortoiseshell inkwell and pounce pot, both of hexagonal form, the lower section having a central drawer flanked by internal secret compartments, the later chinoiserie stand of pine, comprising a decorated frieze supported on 4 tapering square section legs terminating in spade feet, bearing old paper label to underside 'Simpson'
92 cm high including stand, 45 cm wide, 45 cm deep

• Lot Sold $7,000 (Hammer Price)
• $8,540 (Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium)

Condition Report

Some losses and replacements to mouldings to front, side and back edge. Tortoiseshell and bone inlay in good condition. Some chips to the internal tortoiseshell components. The box originally likely to have had feet which are no longer extant. Now sits on a later Chinoiserie stand thereby requiring small positioning blocks to secure the box on the stand. Presents very well.