Wishbarn Antiques

Description

A Continental Oak Renaissance style Court Cupboard, probably Italian 18th Century but possibly earlier. The top with Large cornice above a carved frieze canopy supported by three carved pilasters in front of a pair of carved cupboard doors with iron locks. The base with a pair of carved panelled doors with iron lock, containing a single shelf, flanked by carved fluted columns above a base long drawer with large moulded base.
The sides of panelled form. The iron locks look original and are now screwed in place with later screws, possibly originally nailed in, and there is one original key that fits all cupboard locks. The interior of both top and bottom is lined with green baize.
In excellent condition with various minor marks, scratches etc consistent with age and use.

Stylistically this piece is classically Italian late Renaissance period. It is possibly 17th Century, its joined pegged construction being consistent with a 17th Century piece. The primary wood cuts on the back boards are quite even and straight although not perfectly parallel to each other and with a tight spacing between cuts and small variations in the depth of spacing. These cuts are consistent with technology on the continent from the late middle ages namely a primary cut made by a reciprocating action frame saw powered by wind or water. The front of the cupboard has been cleaned up, stripped and refinished with French polish ( Shellac) at some point, the sides less so and retaining more of their original patina. Consequently the carving to the sides is much softer and bears the hallmarks of antiquity. However, the timber panels aren't as thick as I would expect from an item of early to late 17th Century construction, although certainly the wood cutting technology in Italy of that period was capable of cutting timber relatively thinly. Therefore, for this reason alone, to be safe i have dated this item as second half of the 18th century rather than 17th Century.

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