Rare carved, polychromed, gilded and lacquered... - Lot 81 - Pierre Bergé & Associés

Lot 81
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Estimation :
15000 - 18000 EUR
Rare carved, polychromed, gilded and lacquered... - Lot 81 - Pierre Bergé & Associés
Rare carved, polychromed, gilded and lacquered wooden box. It is carved in reserve on all sides with a decoration of flowers, fruits, some in cups, feathers, twigs and branches in bloom; lid with a large oval medallion decorated with a landscape framed and surrounded by flowers; friezes of Greek. Reverse side of the lid with mirror in a moulded frame, bordered by the inscription SIRBO A N.M.R P.F. MANVEL DE SAABEDRA P. MINISTRO PROVINCIAL DELA PROVINCIA DEL SANTO EVANGELIO in a frame decorated with horn vases with flowering branches; interior with compartments. Gilded iron hinges and side handles, brass lock entrance. Key. China, early 18th century, probably for a Franciscan friar from New Spain (Mexico) Height: 15 cm - Length: 54 cm - Depth: 41,2 cm (very slight accidents including scratches on the mirror) This type of box seems to be unique among the objects made in the Far East in the context of the Franciscan presence in the Hispanic colonies. Made in China, this box seems to have belonged to a provincial minister of the Holy Gospel province by the name of Saabedra, which he received from a certain Sibro. This seems to be the implication of the inscription around the mirror on the reverse of the lid. The Province of the Holy Gospel of New Spain is the oldest Franciscan community founded around 1530 in Mexico City. The owner of the box could be Fr. Manuel de Saabedra whose signature appears on a manuscript written in 1719 (see New York Christies sale, 14 June 2006, lot 1677). He was at that time Maestro Provincial de los Frailes Menores de la Regular Orden de San Francisco, which is quite consistent with the inscription. We can thus think that a certain Sibro, residing in China, had this beautiful box made by a local craftsman to offer it to a provincial minister of New Spain named Manuel Saabreda. Link: https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4735759 ???? Temporary import
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