Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
It stands on four tapering spade toes and has the traditional fall front and is veneered primarily in walnut. However it is the inlay, using both parquetry and marquetry, that is so exceptional. The piece has three graduated long drawers and the fronts of the lower drawers employ a central trompe l'oeil cube parquetry design, as well as geometric borders of repeating shaded diamonds. To either side of the cubes is an inlaid design.
The top drawer on the bureau employs a stylised Greek Key motif and even the side trusses are inlaid with contrasting woods. The fall front employs what may be the most beautiful of all of the inlay on the piece, showing a small bird amongst branches. Interestingly this sort of motif is something of a trademark of Italian craftsmen.
The writing section of the bureau employs the usual selection of small drawers and pigeon holes and even the very top of the piece is inlaid, using the repetitive diamonds motif once again. This really is a lovely piece of antique furniture with inlay of the finest quality.
Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd Profile Page
Late 18th Century Italian Inlaid Walnut Bureau
