Inlaid Letter Case “tamburiata”, Sorrento, Second Half 19th Century

Inlaid letter case “Tamburiata”, Sorrento, second half 19th century, 26 x 20 cm (closed), 26 x 41 cm (open)

Inlaid olive wood letter case produced in Sorrento, part of the Neapolitan decorative tradition of the second half of the 19th century.

This refined object reflects the craftsmanship for which Sorrento became renowned, especially among foreign travellers visiting Naples and the Gulf during the era of the Grand Tour and the rise of cultured tourism. Such pieces were purchased as elegant souvenirs, combining utility and local artistic character.

The front is enriched with a pierced border of scrolling foliage framing a central oval medallion depicting a popular dance scene with tambourine (“tamburiata”). The warm tones stand out against a dark ground, a characteristic feature of Sorrentine marquetry intended for an international clientele.

The interior is lined in red silk and divided into compartments for read and unread letters, according to 19th-century domestic use.

Neapolitan workmanship, in good condition consistent with age, with light signs of time and use.