This extraordinary piece of furniture is part of a small group of very important items that are made in Germany in the mid 17th century...
This cabinet is about 85 cm high and wide, and made of ebony, silver and Italian "pietra dura" panels. It will be sold by auction at Bonham's' European Furniture, Sculpture, and Works of Art in December. It is estimated that its value is between 642.000-962.000 dollars. For centuries, this cabinet, which originates from 1660, was the best part of one of the most respected Irish private collections. Apparently, this is a showcase bought by Sir Charles Henri Coot for Ballyfin in the first half of the 19th century, and until 2006 it was owned by the same family.
Within this cabinet about 40 drawers and compartments are located, with some hidden. All drawers and compartments are lined with exotic silks and intricate works of wood. The design of this cabinet is so complex that its owner recently discovered a new partition, while exploring it with his grandchildren. Partitions that are part of the cabinet were used to store a collection of curiosities and "microorganisms of the universe." There have also been located an encyclopedic range of natural wonders, as well as those made by the man himself, then historical artifacts, precious stones and metals, shells, minerals, scientific instruments and other valuables that are designed to represent the entire universe as a miniature.
Within its lower side is "Elias Boscher gemacht" written in pencil, next to the hallmark of the famous German silversmith Johan Spitzmaher. These elements are common for this type of artwork.
