STUNNING ANTIQUE BARBEITOS LISBOA BRASS CASKET HUMIDOR BOX? Caixas guarda-jóias (jewelry/trinket boxes) or general caixas em bronze (bronze boxes). Up for sale is a magnificent, museum-quality vintage/antique solid brass presentation casket and tobacco humidor. This piece was meticulously crafted by the prestigious Barbeitos workshop in Lisbon (Lisboa), Portugal. Every single inch of this heavy, footed brass box tells the epic story of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. It serves as an incredible historical narrative captured in high-relief metalwork. &####127477;&####127481; HISTORICAL ICONOGRAPHY ON EVERY PANEL. THE LID (TOP): Prominently features the iconic Tower of Belém (Torre de Belém), the historic 16th-century fortress and ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. Floating above it is a traditional Portuguese Caravel (Nau) sailing vessel, emblazoned with the Cross of the Order of Christ. THE FRONT: A dramatic, high-relief mythological maritime scene depicting a caravel caught in a tempest. It features the Greek god of the wind (Boreas) and the fierce sea giant Adamastor-the legendary personification of the rough Cape of Good Hope from Luís de Camões’ epic poem, “The Lusiads”. THE RIGHT SIDE: Three beautifully rendered architectural Gothic arches containing portraits of historical legends: Prince Henry the Navigator, explorer Vasco da Gama, and the epic poet Luís de Camões. THE LEFT SIDE: Features three more fundamental figures of the Portuguese Empire: King Manuel I (“The Fortunate”), navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral (discoverer of Brazil), and military mastermind Afonso de Albuquerque. THE BACK PANEL: Illustrates the historic maritime arrival and first cultural contact between the armored, firearm-carrying Portuguese explorers and a foreign Eastern court. THE BORDER TRIMS: Entirely framed with intricate rope-twist detailing and architectural repeating patterns of the Cross of the Order of Christ, heavily channeling classic Manueline design. &####129517; MATERIAL & INTERIOR SPECS. Construction: Heavy, thick-gauge solid brass panels with a deep, naturally aged chocolate-gold antique patina. Base: Features four sturdy, original brass ball feet. The smooth bottom plate is cleanly hand-stamped with the prestigious maker hallmark: “Barbeitos / LISBOA”. Lining: The interior is completely lined with thick, original, pressed-cork insulation panels on both the base and lid. Historically, this protected fine cigars and tobacco by regulating humidity. Excellent antique condition with wonderful structural integrity. The hinge operates smoothly, and the lid shuts securely. The brass shows a gorgeous, untouched natural patina with minor surface tarnish and oxidation spots on the bottom, which adds to its authentic historic character. The internal cork lining sides are incredibly well-preserved, fully intact, and completely free of major cracking, the interior cork top has some cracks and is warped. Overall it’s a beautiful piece, and certainly the most detailed we’ve seen. An exceptional centerpiece for collectors of European metalwork, maritime exploration artifacts, or high-end tobacciana! Measures 6″ L x 4″ W x 3 H. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description.
