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Lot 275 CABINETS AND CURIOSITIES
The concept of the Kunstkammer gained popularity throughout the 17th century, and the cabinet or room of curiosities was intended to reflected knowledge and collecting. Partly a didactic tool, the collections could vary to incorporate naturalia (products of nature), arteficialia (or artefacta, the products of man), and scientifica (the testaments of man's ability to dominate nature, such as astrolabes, clocks, automatons, and scientific instruments) Some collectors were particularly fond of elaborate cabinets furnished with many drawers and secret compartments which offered diverse storage opportunities. Designated for wealthy patrons, princes and patricians alike, these furnishings could be part of curiosity rooms. They could also stand on their own, representing in miniature format the diversity of items found in an entire Kunstkammer.
The concept of the Kunstkammer gained popularity throughout the 17th century, and the cabinet or room of curiosities was intended to reflected knowledge and collecting. Partly a didactic tool, the collections could vary to incorporate naturalia (products of nature), arteficialia (or artefacta, the products of man), and scientifica (the testaments of man's ability to dominate nature, such as astrolabes, clocks, automatons, and scientific instruments) Some collectors were particularly fond of elaborate cabinets furnished with many drawers and secret compartments which offered diverse storage opportunities. Designated for wealthy patrons, princes and patricians alike, these furnishings could be part of curiosity rooms. They could also stand on their own, representing in miniature format the diversity of items found in an entire Kunstkammer.
AN ANGLO-INDIAN SANDALWOOD AND IVORY WORK BOX
VIZAGAPATAM, MID-19TH CENTURY
Closed20 November 2012
Price Realised
GBP 3,000