A Late 18th Century Italian Inlaid Walnut Bureau Of Exceptional Quality.This fine bureau is a North Italian interpretation of a French Louis XVI model with its straight lines. 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 ...