Antwerp Cabinet

Tortoiseshell, inlaid lacquer, ebony, ivory.
17th century.
5 drawers, no secret drawers.
Dimensions : H 32,5 x W 48 x D 29 cm.
Antwerp (B). 17th century.

Bibliography :
-)” The Art of the Cabinet", M. Riccardi-Cubitt
-) “Zuid-Nederlandse pronkmeubels", Ria Fabri, 1989
-) “Flemish 17th century lacquer cabinets”, W. De Kesel & Greet Dhont
Comparanda :
• Victoria & Albert Museum, London (UK)

This cabinet is a magnificent example of how pieces of art were influenced by other cultures : The design of the inlay is influenced by the French Boulle marquetry (or vice-versa ???), the layout of the drawer-fronts is influenced by Arabic manuscripts, the mother-of-pearl-borders are influenced by the famous Japanese namban decoration.