Spanish Colonial, Mexico, circa 1700, Casket. Photo courtesy Sotheby's
the body incised with arms inspired by those of the Royal House of Habsburg supported by a double-headed eagle, the lid incised with the symbol of a pierced heart, and the interior with the painted monogram of the Jesuit Order: IHS; tortoiseshell, on a wood core with silver mounts; 17.3 by 21cm., 6¾ by 8¼in. Estimate 10,000-15,000 GBP
NOTE: This fine casket would have been made in Mexico for the European market, using a technique that is believed to have been introduced to the Americas by Missionaries travelling from India. It compares closely with another in the Hanns Schell collection, Graz (inv. no. 4669). Note the similar incised decoration, which also includes the symbol of the pierced heart on the lid.
RELATED LITERATURE: M. Pall (ed.), Locked Treasures. Caskets and Cabinets from Around the World, cat. Hanns Schell Collection, Graz, 2006, p. 84, no. 66
Sotheby's. European Sculpture & Works of Art: Medieval to Modern. London | 02 juil. 2013 www.sothebys.com