Tambol Aparador
A Manila tambol aparador / armoire
Estimate: PHP 1,200,000 - 1,300,000
2nd Quarter, 19th century
Manila
Narra and kamagong wood, bone, kamagong and lanite inlays, silver mounts
196 x 125 x 51.5 cm (77 x 49 x 20 in)
Kamagong wood was very scarce and expensive even over 170 years ago. Artisans would combine it with narra wood not only for those restrictive reasons but also to create an attractive and contrasting color effect. Originally made in Manila, this style subsequently spawned several variations – from Bulacan and Ilocos in the north to Laguna in the south – each with vernacular modifications. However, only the wealthiest who could afford such luxury furniture had them in their homes.
Classical Greek, Roman and Egyptian motifs are clearly evident, aside from the contrasting wood color of the dark kamagong frame and honey-brown narra centers that became de rigueur again in the early 19th century. The top frieze is inlaid on three sides, with scrolling leaves and flowers centering a large honeysuckle flower. The effect of using big-sized and light brown-colored lanite inlays against dark kamagong background is reminiscent of the oyster veneer, a decorative technique popular in England in the 17th century. The half-round pilaster columns, inlaid border inlays on the doors, the large foliated flower on the beaded apron, and the lotiform feet have been masterly executed. Opening the doors with turned kamagong pulls with silver centers and a spade-shaped silver escutcheon reveals four shelves and four drawers with knob pulls. This type of aparador remains scarce and highly desirable.
Lot 125 of the Salcedo Auctions auction on 3 June 2023. Please see www.salcedoauctions.com for more information.
Tambol Aparador
A Manila tambol aparador / armoire
Estimate: PHP 1,200,000 - 1,300,000
2nd Quarter, 19th century
Manila
Narra and kamagong wood, bone, kamagong and lanite inlays, silver mounts
196 x 125 x 51.5 cm (77 x 49 x 20 in)
Kamagong wood was very scarce and expensive even over 170 years ago. Artisans would combine it with narra wood not only for those restrictive reasons but also to create an attractive and contrasting color effect. Originally made in Manila, this style subsequently spawned several variations – from Bulacan and Ilocos in the north to Laguna in the south – each with vernacular modifications. However, only the wealthiest who could afford such luxury furniture had them in their homes.
Classical Greek, Roman and Egyptian motifs are clearly evident, aside from the contrasting wood color of the dark kamagong frame and honey-brown narra centers that became de rigueur again in the early 19th century. The top frieze is inlaid on three sides, with scrolling leaves and flowers centering a large honeysuckle flower. The effect of using big-sized and light brown-colored lanite inlays against dark kamagong background is reminiscent of the oyster veneer, a decorative technique popular in England in the 17th century. The half-round pilaster columns, inlaid border inlays on the doors, the large foliated flower on the beaded apron, and the lotiform feet have been masterly executed. Opening the doors with turned kamagong pulls with silver centers and a spade-shaped silver escutcheon reveals four shelves and four drawers with knob pulls. This type of aparador remains scarce and highly desirable.
Lot 125 of the Salcedo Auctions auction on 3 June 2023. Please see www.salcedoauctions.com for more information.