{"product_id":"antique-19th-century-mother-of-pearl-treasure-chest","title":"19th-Century Mother-of-Pearl Treasure Chest","description":"\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"11v4tgk\" data-start=\"599\" data-end=\"615\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eArchive Notes\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"930\"\u003eBuilt like a small piece of architecture, this antique wooden chest is almost entirely faced in hand-cut mother-of-pearl. Rows of squares, diamonds, and triangular pieces give the box a remarkably graphic surface that changes whenever the light moves across it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"932\" data-end=\"1380\"\u003eTwo long concealed storage compartments run along the interior sides, each hidden beneath a removable wooden cover. They would have been useful for separating smaller valuables, documents, jewelry, keys, coins, or personal keepsakes from the larger central compartment. The dark interior remains visibly aged and unrestored, retaining old wear, surface deposits, abrasions, and evidence of long use. \u003cspan\u003eThe mother-of-pearl surface shows scattered age-related wear throughout, including small losses, stable cracks, and areas of lifting.The reverse of the chest has the most noticeable shell loss, making it clear this was an object with history. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1382\" data-end=\"1581\"\u003eThe front lock is functional and is accompanied by an antique key that operates it. The key appears appropriate to the lock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1583\" data-end=\"2005\"\u003eMother-of-pearl inlay has a long history in Middle Eastern woodworking traditions. Craftsmen used the natural contrast between dark wood and luminous shell to decorate chests, writing boxes, furniture, doors, and ceremonial objects. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eLockable chests were private spaces within the home—places for valuables, letters, textiles, jewelry, and objects meant to be kept away. The concealed side compartments add another layer of privacy: a small hiding place inside an already locked container.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"fykqkn\" data-start=\"2695\" data-end=\"2705\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2707\" data-end=\"3859\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"v7ef50\" data-start=\"2707\" data-end=\"2799\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2709\" data-end=\"2720\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Likely Middle Eastern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ulfafn\" data-start=\"2800\" data-end=\"2852\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2802\" data-end=\"2811\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Probably late 19th to early 20th century (c. 1880-1920)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"19qoqrh\" data-start=\"2853\" data-end=\"2934\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2855\" data-end=\"2868\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wood, mother-of-pearl or nacre veneer, metal hinges, lock and key\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"vyhsd9\" data-start=\"2935\" data-end=\"3047\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2937\" data-end=\"2952\"\u003eDecoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Geometric mother-of-pearl mosaic inlay \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"bt2j9b\" data-start=\"3048\" data-end=\"3192\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3050\" data-end=\"3063\"\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hinged lid, working lock, working antique key, large central storage area, two concealed side compartments with removable covers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"939hpj\" data-start=\"3193\" data-end=\"3376\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3195\" data-end=\"3210\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 18–19 in. wide and about 11 in. high with lid closed; open height appears approximately 17 in. Please confirm the front-to-back depth before publishing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"17k5gpq\" data-start=\"3377\" data-end=\"3765\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3379\" data-end=\"3393\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Substantial age-related wear throughout. Areas of missing, cracked, lifted, uneven, or discolored shell inlay; worn and dry wood surfaces; losses around the feet and edges; abrasions, old repairs, gaps, residue, and heavy wear within the interior. Hinges and lock remain operational. The interior has not been restored or refinished. Please review all photographs closely\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"maijn4\" data-start=\"3766\" data-end=\"3859\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3768\" data-end=\"3776\"\u003eKey:\u003c\/strong\u003e Antique key included and functional; originality to the chest cannot be guaranteed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"DEADSKULL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46540221382853,"sku":null,"price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/4849\/0949\/files\/44FCBD62-17A1-4A19-9B70-9C99D7416B77.jpg?v=1784147004","url":"https:\/\/deadskull.co\/products\/antique-19th-century-mother-of-pearl-treasure-chest","provider":"DEADSKULL","version":"1.0","type":"link"}