Early 19th Century Italian Wardrobe with Marquetry

Italy
Walnut and others
early 19th century

Dimensions: 189 x 114 x 50 cm

:
Antique linen cupboard with pleasing proportions and fine inlay work.

Two-door piece of furniture standing on skirted square feet. The pilaster strips extending from the front feet are designed as pillars with angular bases and capitals; they visually support the entablature with the projecting cornice.

The walnut grain pattern is laid continuously from the base to below the top, both on the sides and on the front.
The grain pattern is interrupted by geometric marquetry, which is particularly impressive on the front. We see four rectangular fields bordered by corner rosettes and linear ribbon inlays, in the centres of each of which a large blossom framed by winding ribbons can be seen in a round medallion.
Please take a look at the detailed photos of the inlays. You will notice that the ribbon inlays consist of up to five different layers. We see wafer-thin threads of mahogany, plum, ebony and maple. The individual leaves of the central blossoms are also outlined by fine maple threads.

The striking moulding is accentuated by a cross veneer in walnut burl, while the keyhole has no fittings.

The doors are locked with a large bar lock. The interior of the wardrobe is divided by four height-adjustable shelves. There is also a clothes rail.

Condition:
Elaborately restored condition with authentic patina and deliberately preserved and conserved signs of age and use. The shellac polish emphasises the light-dark contrasts within the grain and gives the wood a certain “depth”.