Dutch colonial chest, 18th century 1750 - 1800

Unknown artist

EbonyWoodMetalBrass
50 ⨯ 91 ⨯ 62 cm
ConditionGood
€ 2.500

Verkoulen Oriental & European Antiques

• About the artwork
  A compact Dutch colonial storage chest of tropical hardwood on bun feet, late 18th century, around 1750-1800, Indian Ocean area.
  
  Dimensions: 50x91x62 cm.
  
  Indispensable in the interior of the East was a storage or ship's chest. Made out of tropical hardwood they could withstand the humid and warm climate in the colonies. Because East India Company officials or colonial habitants traveled a lot between the colonial island in the archipel and ocean, the need of storage space for personal items were high and chests had to be compact and strong. The chests were not only useful in India but also for the long lasting way back to Europe. It is known that these chest were also sold in Holland to people who had noting to do with the colonies.
  
  This specific chest was probably made in Sri-Lanka, or less likely Batavia (Jakarta). The brass lock plate has beautiful cut motifs, while the fittings on the sides have a strikingly cut-out heart pattern in them. The sides of the top as well as the edges at the bottom have black paint to imitate ebony wood.
  
  Condition: Good, restored ebonising/surface.
  
• About the artist

  It might happen that an artist or maker is unknown.

  Some works are not to be determined by whom it is made or it is made by (a group of) craftsmen. Examples are statues from the Ancient Time, furniture, mirroirs, or signatures that are not clear or readible but as well some works are not signed at all.

  As well you can find the following description:

  •“Attributed to ….” In their opinion probably a work by the artist, at least in part

  •“Studio of ….” or “Workshop of” In their opinion a work executed in the studio or workshop of the artist, possibly under his supervision

  •“Circle of ….” In their opinion a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil

  •“Style of ….” or “Follower of ….” In their opinion a work executed in the artist’s style but not necessarily by a pupil; may be contemporary or nearly contemporary

  •“Manner of ….” In their opinion a work in the style of the artist but of a later date

  •“After ….” In their opinion a copy (of any date) of a work of the artist

  •“Signed…”, “Dated….” or “Inscribed” In their opinion the work has been signed/dated/inscribed by the artist. The addition of a question mark indicates an element of doubt

  •"With signature ….”, “With date ….”, “With inscription….” or “Bears signature/date/inscription” in their opinion the signature/ date/ inscription has been added by someone other than the artist

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