Renaissance Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

AN EXCEPTIONAL MUSEUM QUALITY, ITALIAN, RENAISANCE WALNUT CASSETTONE WITH A FITTED BUREAU IN THE UPPER PART & EXCEPTIONAL BAMBOCCI CARVING, LOMBARDY - This exceptionally rare, museum quality, piece of early furniture was conceived and crafted as an artwork of the finest quality of its time. Throughout time it has been a luxurious, statement piece which has protected it, and fortunately it has survived in virtually, original condition. - This magnificent cassettone exudes the character and quality of the finest, late-Renaissance furniture. Northern Italian Renaissance furniture often had the sides, legs or angles, 'a Bambocci', incorporating carved figures which were considered unique sculptures in their own right. - The putti on this cassettone are beautifully carved and of sculptural quality. Each angel has one arm raised to heaven, a poignant touch. - The lion’s paw feet are a classical feature and make a great statement. - This cassettone was conceived to have visual impact through the quality of the carving, as well as being very practical with the writing compartment fitted in the top part. - It has survived in very original condition with a few small repairs and losses, and the colour and patina are warm and lustrous. - This cassettone is illustrated Illustrated in C. Alberici, Il Mobile Lombardo, Milan, 1969, p. 45, one of the seminal works on Lombardy furniture, and has been in two renowned collections. The hinged top in two sections faced with a solid moulded edge. The front part has a fall front and opens to reveal a writing compartment. The fall front retains its original lock and is concealed with a false drawer which is above three drawers. All with moulded panels, escutcheons and retaining the original iron handles. The front ends have exceptional, bambocci, carved putti raising their arms to heaven above trailing foliage. Standing on magnificent lion's-head carved feet. The sides are panelled. Exceptional original colour and patina. Literature : Illustrated in C. Alberici, Il Mobile Lombardo, Milan, 1969, p. 45. A Gonzalez-Palacois, Il mobile in Liguria, Genova, 1996 illustrates related pieces Measures: Length 147 ½ cm. 58 in, height 104 cm. 41 in, depth 75 cm. 29½ in, Provenance: Coll. Private Azzate The Collection of Sandro and Lidia Orsi, Ca’ Mera, Varese. Regarded as one of the most beautiful homes in Lombardy, Ca’ Mera, the country house of Sandro and Lidia Orsi was filled with beautiful objects from many different epochs. A renowned antiquarian from Milan, over his lifetime Sandro and his wife Lidia revived the Renaissance and Baroque character of the house and instilled their own unique vision into the interiors, which culminated with the creation of a Kunst – or Wunderkammer. “I have never seen such an example of poetical taste”, Sir John Pope...

A wonderful and rare walnut credenza or sideboard, heavy patinated, original unrestored finish and original hardware. The hand-carved moldings and classic. Ionic swags above fluted ...

Rare, small, late-Renaissance, Nuremberg, iron, 'armada box', strongbox or travelling safe with its original, naïve, painted decoration This is a rare, s...

A large, museum-quality, late-16th century, cedar, Venetian, cassone on its original stand ; the sea creature ornament probably drawn from De la Cosmographie Universelle, livre III, engraving 1550-1568 • This is the only, known, cassone of this type retaining its original stand. • The collection in Italy that it originally came from was a palazzo that it had reputedly been in for generations of the same family and this most likely why the stand has survived. • The decoration is very unusual, and delightful in the array of sea creatures depicted. The connection of the region with the sea is very strong. • The inner lid is very practical and can be used for display or serving. The interior offers masses of storage space which is particularly suitable for textiles being cedar which repels moths. • The cassone is a beautiful, rich colour and has developed a lustrous patina. • The cassone is Illustrated & discussed in discussed in ‘Woods in British Furniture Making’, (Bowett) c13 Provenance: Private collection, Mayorca. Private collection, Italy Related to: Cassone in V&A collection, no 4886-1858 Width 177 cm., 70 in., Height 87 cm., 34 ½ in. Depth 68 cm. 26 ½ in. With lid open 155 cm., 61 in “Late 16th and 17th century, London inventories confirm that cypress wood chests were relatively common in prosperous households. In 1598 there was a cypress chest in the hall of John Mason, a vintner, valued at 50 shillings. It was the most expensive piece of furniture in the house. Similarly there was a ‘fair cypress chest’ in the great chamber of Adrian Moore, haberdasher, in 1618, and a cypress chest worth £ 9 in the hall of Thomas Willis, a clotherworker in 1630. The chests were sometimes described as ‘great’ or ‘small’ but not otherwise described – presumably they were familiar to the compilers of the inventories. They were placed in halls, chambers and parlours, places where they would have been on prominent view. It is noteworthy that only the chests were imported and not, apparently, the wood. “ (p282, Cypress, Woods in British Furniture making) The decoration is very unusual, and delightful in the array of sea creatures depicted. The connection of the region with the sea is very strong. I have never seen one of these chests on its original stand. The collection in Italy that it came from was a palazzo that it had reputedly been in for generations of the same family and this most likely why the stand has survived. In practical terms, the stand makes the chest a comfortable height to use. The exterior of the chest is a beautiful, mellow colour and has developed a lustrous patina. The top comprises three planks faced with a shallow, cleated, moulded edge nailed on. The front retains its original hasp and lockplate and, as is commonly found, the lock has been removed but, unusually the original ring hinges have survived. The top opens to reveal an inner lid with ring hinges and a brass ring, revealing a large open storage compartment below, the bottom lined with an old fabric. The underside of the lid retains its original penwork and pierced decoration. The central panel depicts sea creatures, sharks, flatfish, monster fish, sea horses, Neptune and mermaids, probably drawn from De la Cosmographie Universelle, livre III, engraving 1550-1568. The panels either side depicting a crown, the sun and unicorns amongst stylised floral sprays. The surrounding naive penwork border features repeats of three naked ladies in the sea, a man wearing an animal mask with two dogs in a forest and a huntsman with two dogs. The floor of the inside of the cassone is upholstered in an 18th century red and yellow striped woven textile the colours of the Catalan flag. The front is decorated with pierced, silhouettes of beasts, trees and figures. The sides are plain with iron carrying handles. On its original stand, with similar decoration, and bearing a cartouche which would have been decorated with the arms of its original owner. Italian, last quarter of the 16th century. Condition Report : Old repair to bottom left moulding of top. Some hairline cracks to top. The hasp, lockplate and ring hinges are original, the lock has been removed. Handles probably 18th century. The inner lid was probably added in the 18th century and supporting mechanism in the 19th century. Exceptional original, lustrous colour and patina. Measures: Width 177 cm. 70 in., height 87 cm. 34 ½ in., depth 68 cm. 26 ½ in. The cassone was the principal piece of furniture in 16th century, Italy. These chests were made as bridal gifts for nobles and aristocrats from cedar specifically for storing their much prized and valued hangings, clothing and linens, as the wood repels moths and the sweet fragrance delicately scents fabrics. Consquently the cassone, as in this example might be decorated with the family coat of arms or with depictions of virtue and edifying episodes from the Bible. A young woman could not be allowed to enter marriage without some instruction. Later, many cassoni were taken apart so that the decorated front panel could be hung as a painting. The stand of this cassone has a cartouche that would have contained a painted coat of arms in the centre which shows that it was conceived for a noble family. Such cypress or cedar chests, incised in bas relief and pyrographically engraved, have long been associated with Venice and typically have a naïve decoration on the exterior. Literature: The 'cypress chests' containing 'arras, counterpoints, costely apparel, tents, and canopies, fine linen, Turkey cushions...

having a rectangular top with molded edge atop a conforming case with two doors housing interior shelving, the doors centered among tapering fluted pilasters with pronounced capitals...

Original lock and key This piece of furniture shows no recess on its upper part. It opens with four folding-doors and two drawers within the belt. The key bears the date 1524 above cross motifs. Burgundy and Lyon regions subordinated themselves to architecture in a different manner than the other french schools. Rather than using particularly columns and pediments pieces of furniture from Lyon borrow architecture’s organization principles and rigorous designs. On the upper body a strong feeling of balance and symmetry appears with the folding doors reliefs. Swags of flowers and fruits held with knot cloth centered by a man seating on his arms. Here profiles, masks and chou de Bourgogne mingle with the structuring scrolls. The two lateral terms wear draperies and the goddess Diana in the center wears a belt of fruits similar to Hugue Sambin’s designs (Termes de Diane et de Venus, 1554, BNF). The two palm-leaves enriched drawers and the alternating scrolls belt balance the weight of the cornice with its alternatings consoles and tops. The lower body is also adorned by three terms with a feminine one in the center, all three are wearing fruits on their heads. The folding doors are centered upon a motif of cut cuirs by a mask in high relief. Wearing a feathered tiara...

Place this colorful antique coffer at the foot of a king size bed to store your extra blankets! Crafted in Italy, circa 1760, the rectangular cabinet sits on front paw feet over a bo...

This fine oak chest was crafted in England around 1700 and stands as a beautiful example of the solid yet stylish furniture of the period. The front is richly decorated with geometri...

Very beautiful Rrenaissance / Henry IV chest from the 17th century, transformed into a desk in the 19th century. Magnificent details are hand carved. The wood has a superb patina. Fo...

This antique oak chest, dating from the early 17th century, is a remarkable example of early European craftsmanship, combining strength with refined decorative detail. Made entirely ...

Important Italian Renaissance Polychrome chest with coat-of-arms Origin: Italy Period: early 16th century Height: 71cm Length: 190cm Depth: ...

This extraordinary cabinet is made of the finest watered oak in the tradition of the Dutch Renaissance during the “Dutch golden age” It is a four-door cab...

A rare 18th century Italian walnut chest / credenza, Renaissance Period, neoclassical influenced, having two elaborately carved figural statue c...

This extraordinary cupboard is made of the finest quarter sawn oak in the tradition of the Dutch Renaissance during the “Dutch golden age” It is a small two-door cabinet with arche...

Condition : Partly dating from the Renaissance. The backs and the drawer’s insides have been re-done. Historical background The 16th century is a prosperous period for Lyon...

IMPORTANT PORTUGUESE COMMODE D. JOÃO V 18th Century in rosewood wood, with three drawers and three large drawers. Wavy body, with cut skirts, decorated with shells, windings and pl...

Beautiful and rare Dutch Renaissance two-door cabinet. This cabinet stems from an era in Dutch history that is called "the golden age'. This cabinet has the typical arched panelled doors and is called a 'poortkast' or portal cabinet. It is made in the best quality solid oak. It stands on ebonized bun feet with an ajour cut skirt. The panelled doors have a hand-carved arched top. The top corniche has beautiful hand-carved elevated panels depicting cupids holding garlands. The whole cabinet is enriched with inlaid parts of ebony...

Nice 17th century chest in brown chesnut. Hand carved facade panel with geometrics decorations. Plinth with brace decorations, dovetail assembly with wrought iron wardware. Add a re...

Italian Renaissance Tuscan (late 17th Century) walnut cabinet having 2 doors with a diamond design.

ORIGIN : ITALY, TUSCANY PERIOD : 16th CENTURY DIMENSIONS : Height : 73 cm Length : 180 cm Depth: 57 cm Good condition Walnut wood This significant Florentine cassone in the shape of a sarcophagus features a beautiful front panel flanked at the corners by two mascarons surrounded by voluted acanthus leaves. It rests on two lion's paw feet at the front. The decoration includes a beautiful frieze of scales at the bottom, which continues on the sides. Above this, in the center, a scrollwork cartouche once bore coats of arms. On either side, there is an abundant vegetal decor with vine branches and sumptuous grape clusters. The domed top lid is adorned around its edge with a wide frieze featuring a scale motif, harmoniously matching the lower cornice. This beautiful cassone is interesting for several reasons. The choice of ornamentation is not random. Grapes have numerous meanings and are often associated with fertility, especially when represented on a wedding cassone...

IMPORTANT LARGE PORTUGUESE ORATORY 17th Century in carved and turned Brazilian rosewood with remains of gilding, glass doors and sides. Interior with painted, polychrome and gold de...

An exceptional late Renaissance Italian credenza, hand-crafted in Tuscany circa 1570 from richly grained Circassian walnut. This singular piece ...

Small 17th Century Italian Renaissance Credenza. Made of Circassian Walnut with carved heads as handles to the single drawer over two paneled doors with bronze hardware and heavily c...

Dating to the 1700s, this beautiful Venetian chest, which is covered in crimson velvet, has brass embellishments in the style of the Renaissance. The beautiful color of the velvet an...

Fontainebleau renaissance cabinet bearing the Dodieu’s family coat-of-arms Origin : ILe De France, School of Fontainebleau Period : Second ...

This beautiful black colored Renaissance chest or coffer was made in the early 18th century. It was made in the finest quality summer oak and stained very dark, almost black. The fro...

superb chest from the 17th century from the Spanish renaissance from the Pampalune region Chest called 6 plank chest since all the faces are from a sing...

SWISS CHEST RICHLY CARVED WITH THE COAT OF ARMS OF THE RIEDMATTEN FAMILY FRAMED BY TWO HOLY CONVERSATIONS ORIGIN : SWITZERLAND, VALAIS CANTON PERIOD : END OF 16th CENTURY – EARLY 17...

The beautifully carved front façade is not the only impressive element of this oak strongbox trunk; the interior is reinforced with an iron strapwork “cage”, strengthening the alread...

This cabinet is composed of two bodies, the upper one being recessed. The extraordinary proportions are enriched by a mythological and floral carved decor. The Lower body stands o...

Unlike their Italian counterparts who favored painted and inlaid motifs, French ebenistes during the Renaissance utilized elaborate carvings to embellish their furniture. A fantastic...

Charming painted cassone with a lift top, the rounded front decorated with pastoral scenes, nicely worn and muted under the varnish, darkened by age.

An extraordinary solid walnut Renaissance period credenza. In remarkable antique condition considering its age (400-500 years). In original condition, (a small (1/3 section) of the t...

A 17th century Tuscan region Italian Renaissance style walnut credenza. Having two upper drawers, removable interior shelf, and functioning old period lock. In remarkable antique con...

Superb cabinet in solid walnut from the 17th century from Italy Very beautiful and rare Italian workmanship with a superb carved top as well as base. Typical of Italian wardrobes ...

A late-16th Century, Museum Quality, Italian Walnut & Fruitwood Marquetry Marriage Chest with a Coat of Arms & Retaining Traces of the Original Gilded Decoration - Exceptionally rar...

An Italian Florentine Renaissance Carved Burl Walnut Fall-Front Writing Cabinet, Circa 1560, 16th century From the Davanzatti Palace Museum in Florence Height: 59 inches x 36 inches ...

Beautiful Renaissance wedding chest in chestnut from the late 16th or early 17th century. On the front of the chest are carved the coat of arms of the spouses' families: the one on the left represents a cross patté, the one on the right three towers of a castle. The base is cut into crosspieces with small sculpted patterns, the fittings are original with a hasp lock...

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...

Nice carved wooden chest from the Renaissance period, late 16th early 17th century. The lower part is decorated with a carved frieze composed of g...

Description Cabinet cabinet with secret compartments made of poplar wood and walnut burl, Tuscany, late 16th century-early 17th century. Cabinet consisting of five overlapping drawer...

This Renaissance Cabinet reveals the great mastery of the Lyon workshops which are at the origin of its realization. Sculptors and wood-carvers worked here in symbiosis to express an...

18th Century French Renaissance Cabinet with Carrara Marble will make a great addition to any efficient floor plan! Crafted from solid old-growth chestnut, it features a neoclassica...

Elegant sideboard in solid walnut wood with dark patina, small but refined in size. The cabinet is equipped with two doors and two drawers, with turned and lost wax cast bronze handl...

Stunning 1700's, 18th C.Antique Large, Italian Renaissance Style, Carved, Walnut Cassone, Chest! Antique Cassone, Marriage Chest, Coffer, Large, Italian Renaissance Style, Carved, W...

An exceptionally rare, late-Renaissance, Florentine, walnut, writing cabinet, scrittoio, escritoire or desk in two parts This striking, writing cabinet has a classical form, ornam...

superb oak chest from the French Renaissance of the 17th century Very beautiful paneled chest with a beautiful work of sculpture on its face with the sculpted uprights as well as the...

From a Norman manor house of the 16th century this very nice double trunk with four-door buffet decorated with inlaid hearts for the upper part and geometric motifs in the lower part...

Small cabinet by L’ecole De Fontainebleau Incrusted with marble tablets Origin : VAL-DE-LOIRE, France Period : 16th century Measures: Height : 170...

Magnificent 18th-century French carved chest coffer sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully hand-crafted from solid walnut, it features an intricately hand-carved linenfold compos...

Rare 17th century carved walnut chest of drawers, bracket carved feet. Italy , Emilia PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EXPORT AUTHORIZATION BY THE ITALIAN MINISTRY OF CULTURAL HERITAGE TAKES ...

Beautiful Renaissance two-body buffet with four doors and six drawers. On the upper part of the buffet, who hide two secrets drawers, an alternating band of three masks, represents a mythological scene: Zeus changed into a swan seduces Leda on the banks of the Eurotas. The sides of the buffet are decorated with foliage and vines. The doors cornices...

Exceptional Italian Renaissance oratory in walnut and burr walnut from the early 17th century circa 1600. It opens with four drawers in curved burr walnut. It is rare to find a curv...

Superb and rare Renaissance period walnut buffet from the end of the 16th century representing the four seasons opening with four doors and two drawers on the front, The doors offer...

18th Century Rustic Renaissance Two-Tiered Cabinet is the perfect solution for more storage in style! Hand-crafted from solid oak, it features a subtly recessed upper tier flanked b...

A beautiful piece of Italian furniture, dating to the High Renaissance of the 1500s, this walnut credenza has a fascinating intarsia burr façade. The front, which consists of three b...

Rare pastiglia marriage chest North of Italy, Liguria or Piemonte First half of 15th century wood, gesso, partly gilded, form molded and painted 67 x 156 x 63 cm Provenance : Pri...

This piece is a brown oak French Renaissance sideboard that dates from the 1700s. It’s made from solid oak and the ornate designs have bee...

This colorful antique "encoignure" was created in Italy, circa 1780. The corner cabinet which can also hang on a wall, depicts a painted biblical scene of the presentation of John the Baptist's head to Salome in front of the temple (Matthew:14) in a Renaissance style. The beheading of Saint John...

A wonderfully rustic early Italian hand carved cassone with egg and dart moulded frame, time-softened wood and solid panels on the front and sides. Although this chest has suffered w...