Antique Tabernacle in Lacquered and Gilded Wood, 16th Century, Italy

Former collection Altounian At the beginning of the reign of Henri II (1547-1559) the furniture’s ornamentation evolves. The few medieval motifs that were still used are eventually relinquished. Furniture becomes more sober showcasing moulded panels and perfect architecture. Cabinet-makers use ornaments such as curved fluted or plain columns, feather quills, roses or winged putti heads. High-relief carving becomes more scarce and compositions lighter. To that end cabinet-makers draw inspiration from Fontainebleau motifs filtering them and adapting them to French taste. During this period cabinet-makers turn into a kind of architects. Indeed the architectural balance of furniture is the centre of their concerns. The study of Antic formulas is then a necessity. From this care given to proportions appear refined cabinets with pure lines. This style is characteristic of the reign of Henri II and disappears soon after under the regency of Catherine de Medici (1560-1574) when an abundance of high and low-relief ornaments comes back on furnitures. This two-bodies cabinet...

Rare carved Renaissance cabinet Period : 2nd half 16th century, ca. 1570 Origin : France, Burgundy or Languedoc This cabinet embody the produ...

Unique and rare cabinet with an open base, finished all around, so it could be freestanding in the room, the front panels intricately carved with gothic tracery work, the side and ba...

Beautiful French Renaissance cabinet in two parts. The top part with two carved doors featuring classical figures opening to an interior fit...

French Henry II Deux-Corps cabinet, in two parts. Of linear design and interesting, unusual proportions, the top part with two-doors over two drawers, bottom with two larger drawers ...

An outstanding and rare, 17th-century Japanese mulberrywood gilt-lacquer cabinet raised on a later stand. This fine and exceptional two-door, gilt-heightened cabinet - reputedly in mountain mulberry wood...

Unique Chinese lacquer cabinet from the original Spago restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, currently being remodeled. Patinated bronze hardware.

Unique Chinese lacquer cabinet from the original Spago restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, currently being remodeled. Patinated bronze hardware.

Red lacquered Chinese cupboard with two 19th century doors. Modern iron fittings.

16th Century Spanish Bargueño, Polychromed Wood A rare and evocative Spanish bargueño dating to the 16th century, retaining traces of its original polychrome decoration. The fall-fr...