430 - AN EMBOSSED LEATHER HINGED ITALIAN CHEST, 19TH CENTURY

AN EMBOSSED LEATHER HINGED ITALIAN CHEST, 19TH CENTURY Of octagonal casket form, the exterior richly decorated in pressed and embossed leather over a wooden body, raised on eight cast metal paw feet. The domed hinged lid centered with a large figural reserve depicting a ceremonial gathering in St. Mark’s Square, Venice, showing two groups of men engaged in a formal presentation before monumental arcaded architecture inspired by the Piazza San Marco. The animated composition, suggestive of a civic or diplomatic event from Venetian history, is framed within molded borders enriched with scrolling ornament and geometric decoration in relief. The bombe-form sides are further embellished with repeating foliate and strapwork motifs executed in the Renaissance Revival taste. The interior fitted with a green silk-lined compartment, retaining the original hinged construction and functioning lock, accompanied by a small brass key. The overall design reflects the nineteenth century Italian fascination with Renaissance decorative arts and historic Venetian pageantry. Dimensions: 13 3/4 x 10 1/2 x 5 3/8 in., (35 x 26.7 x 14.6 cm.) Condition: Overall good decorative condition with scattered rubbing, surface wear, craquelure, and losses to the leather consistent with age and use. Minor separations and wear along joints and corners. Interior fabric with light fading and handling wear. Oxidation and wear to metal feet and lock components. Key present. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All statements contained in the catalog, condition reports, invoices, advertisements, or elsewhere concerning the authorship, attribution, origin, date, age, period, culture, source, provenance, authenticity, genuineness, condition, rarity, importance, or value of any lot are statements of opinion only and shall not be construed as representations, warranties, or statements of fact. All lots are sold "as-is", refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not offer in-house shipping. We will provide a list of recommended shippers upon request.