Rare Tuscan Cabinet In Sculpted Black Wood, Circa 1600

Tuscany | End of 16th - beginning of 17th century
Walnut wood and burl
Dimensions: H 58 x W 60 x D 32 cm


The walnut cabinet examined, made in Tuscany, can be dated between the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century. It presents a solid and compact structure on the front, while inside the calatoia door is a series of seven drawers, of equal size in two rows, with a single drawer in the row at the base. The calatoia, decorated on the outside with walnut briarwood, has a wrought-iron spout in the shape of a two-headed eagle at the top centre. The side uprights are decorated with two pairs of telamons carved almost in the round as warriors, arranged one above the other vertically; volute carvings finish the base and top. The band above, separated by a slightly projecting moulding, opens into a pair of drawers, adorned with a walnut-root mirror within a double frame, which can be opened by half-moon pendants. A shield-shaped coat of arms separates the two drawers, while on the side uprights two half-bust telamons support the end moulding. The upper shelf is tray-shaped. The base can be opened into a secret drawer, while there is a further hidden compartment inside.