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Black / Ebonized Portuguese 'Contador' Cabinet with Matching Decorative Stand

$7,022.80per set
$10,804.31per set35% Off
£5,153.13per set
£7,927.89per set35% Off
€5,850per set
€9,000per set35% Off
CA$9,569.16per set
CA$14,721.79per set35% Off
A$10,778.11per set
A$16,581.71per set35% Off
CHF 5,581.60per set
CHF 8,587.07per set35% Off
MX$130,895.88per set
MX$201,378.27per set35% Off
NOK 70,899.18per set
NOK 109,075.66per set35% Off
SEK 67,253.85per set
SEK 103,467.47per set35% Off
DKK 44,522.03per set
DKK 68,495.43per set35% Off
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About the Item

Similar in concept to the Spanish bargueño, the Portuguese "contador" cabinet started out as a small portable chest of drawers used for storing valuables and documents. Beginning in the 17th century, with the addition of a matching stand, the contador cabinet became its own independent piece of furniture. A particular style of decoration developed for these cabinets, including the characteristic "torcidos e tremidos" or "twisted and shaking" moldings and sculptural turned legs, as well as dark ebony-colored wood offset by pierced gilt brass metalwork. These design motifs became hallmarks of Portuguese "National Style" furniture, and examples of very similar cabinets can be seen in various museum collections, including the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga in Lisbon. This cabinet and its matching stand are both in very nice shape, with some minor finish wear normal for items of this age. The front is divided into nine equal drawer fronts, disguising seven actual drawers - five small, one double vertical and one double horizontal (please see photos). The drawers are locking, and the original key is included, making this a functional and highly decorative storage piece.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 55.91 in (142 cm)Width: 36.62 in (93 cm)Depth: 19.69 in (50 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Baroque (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brass,Walnut,Wood,Ebonized
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Unknown
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. (Cabinet / 67 cm high, Stand / 75 cm high).
  • Seller Location:
    Madrid, ES
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3306119249612

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