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Late 19th Inlaid Pearl Serpentine Chest Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk

$62,000
£47,441.57
€54,297.36
CA$87,560.33
A$95,163.05
CHF 50,998.70
MX$1,155,448.43
NOK 640,257.70
SEK 593,741.70
DKK 405,534.41

About the Item

Spectacular and Rare Late 19th-Century Damascus "Serpentine Front" chest of drawers from Damascus Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk, scion of one of the most influential political and mercantile families in Ottoman-era Beirut. This imposing five-drawer cabinet is a masterwork of Levantine craftsmanship, distinguished by its elegant bombé form, intricate pictorial and calligraphic inlay, and luxurious original materials with exquisite 'Ajami (wood inlay) technique. This piece is adorned with breathtaking, hand-cut inlays of iridescent mother-of-pearl and gleaming silver set within a rich, dark walnut ground. The undulating serpentine front adds a dynamic, sculptural quality. It retains its original, beautifully aged Carrara marble top—a hallmark of high-status Damascus furniture—and its delicate porcelain knobs. Each drawer is framed with a fine silver and pewter border, highlighting the exquisite central panels. Beyond the geometric patterns, the lower portion features a stunning pictorial inlay of overflowing flowers. Most remarkably, each drawer is inscribed with a verse from a captivating love poem dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk, a prominent aristocratic figure in 19th-century Beirut, transforming this chest into a documented piece of social and literary history. This piece is far more than furniture; it is a narrative artifact. It combines supreme artistic skill in mother-of-pearl inlay with a unique historical provenance, poetic romance, and imposing presence. It is a cornerstone acquisition for the serious collector of Islamic art, Ottoman history, or exceptional antique cabinetry. Dimensions: Height: 59" Width: 48" Depth: 23"
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 59 in (149.86 cm)Width: 48 in (121.92 cm)Depth: 23 in (58.42 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Mother-of-Pearl
  • Place of Origin:
    Asia
  • Period:
    Late 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Late 19th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: PGD000274171stDibs: LU818847861572

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