Flowers And Birds Marquetry Cabinet

Decor of flowers, birds and bouquets composed for this cabinet inlaid with olive wood, fruit tree and green stained wood. The borders are made of fillets altering dark wood and ivory. This cabinet opens on the front with 8 drawers and a central door which reveals a small theater also inlaid, with an arrangement of 4 small drawers at its bottom. The drawers are covered in an old purple velvet. The sides are inlaid with large reserves and in the center a floral decoration, these side decorations present differences, it is probable that the left side of the cabinet was restored in the 19th century. The back and bottom of the cabinet are covered with an old black background paper with a negative decoration of foliage. A ceremonial piece of furniture, containing preciously guarded knowledge, this type of cabinet was used to store diverse and varied collections: objects from excavations, ancient coins, scientific instruments, minerals, witnesses to the evolution of nature or science. It allowed its owner to complete his knowledge and during a visit to his house by a scholar or scholar, to have the latest discoveries explained to him using its content. The fashion for cabinets appeared in Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries with the creation of studiolos, rooms reserved for knowledge. The manufacture and distribution of cabinets developed from the end of the 16th century with several specialized production centers in Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain and England. A cabinet fits today into any type of interior in an old classic or very contemporary style on a glass or raw steel console. individualized delivery possible, contact us.