A superb, rare late 19th century (circa 1900) Italian finely carved pine Grotto work table.This unusual freestanding table consists of a finely carved pine box in the form of a cushion with carved fabric and lace decoration with finely carved draped sash, the box with working lock and key, the top opening to reveal storage compartments, the box resting on what resembles fabric of carved pine.The table is supported on a carved pine tri-form base consisting of tree branches with a large carved scallop shell.‘Grotto’ or ‘Fantasy’ furniture was influenced by the decoration found in ‘grottos’ and the Rococo style, this particularly consisting of shells and the influence of nature. The scallop shell in particular is one of nature’s most unique and stunning creations and has frequently been found in architecture, works of art and furniture, the scallop shell was originally used more in architecture but began to be reflected in additional forms such as featuring in furniture an...