Extremely Rare Mid 16th Century Italian Walnut and Parcel Gilt Cassone (Chest), Probably from the Tuscany Region

16th century

Sold by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

An extremely rare mid 16th century (circa 1540) Italian walnut and parcel gilt cassone, probably from the Tuscany region in near original condition.

This exceptional piece consists of a deep buttoned brown leather top with stud detail with a moulded edge - the top upholstered some years ago and more recently finished in leather making it a very versatile item.

The top opens to reveal the inner lid lined with fabric and a good storage area, the front and sides being profusely carved with parcel gilt decoration consisting of carved panels in totally original condition.

The two wonderfully carved high relief parcel gilt panels of figural narrative, mythical scenes of a merman and female in the sea with stars in the sky, the other panel depicting a knight and dragon with stars in the sky, both panels within a finely carved and parcel gilt border of scrolling design with grotesque masks with carved atlantes to the centre and outer corners with carved grotesque masks, scroll and swag decoration.

This leads down to a stylised scallop shell plinth, the side panels also carved with reclining female figures in a landscape within a carved scroll border.

The Renaissance was the great period of the cassone, although they continued to be made up until and during the 19th century. They have survived often due to the fact they were made in pairs as marriage chests. Also, they were of such good quality and design the generations who owned them passed them down through their families and they were treasured as works of art.

Unfortunately we cannot find any identical examples of design or carving, some examples with similarities can be found in the V&A Museum, London and in the book ‘A History of Italian Furniture’ Volume I by William M Odom.

This unique cassone is in very good near original condition, other than the top, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home or collection – the upholstered leather top makes this cassone a very versatile piece for both seating and storage.

Physical Dimensions

Height

57cm (22.44")

Width

170cm (66.93")

Depth

61cm (24.02")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this piece to the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA949368

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS1342

Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description

An extremely rare mid 16th century (circa 1540) Italian walnut and parcel gilt cassone, probably from the Tuscany region in near original condition.

This exceptional piece consists of a deep buttoned brown leather top with stud detail with a moulded edge - the top upholstered some years ago and more recently finished in leather making it a very versatile item.

fig 1. Extremely rare mid 16th century Italian walnut and parcel gilt cassone (chest), probably from the Tuscany region — fig 1. Extremely Rare Mid 16th Century Italian Walnut and Parcel Gilt Cassone (Chest), Probably from the Tuscany Region

The top opens to reveal the inner lid lined with fabric and a good storage area, the front and sides being profusely carved with parcel gilt decoration consisting of carved panels in totally original condition.

fig 2. Extremely rare mid 16th century Italian walnut and parcel gilt cassone (chest), probably from the Tuscany region — fig 2. Extremely Rare Mid 16th Century Italian Walnut and Parcel Gilt Cassone (Chest), Probably from the Tuscany Region

The two wonderfully carved high relief parcel gilt panels of figural narrative, mythical scenes of a merman and female in the sea with stars in the sky, the other panel depicting a knight and dragon with stars in the sky, both panels within a finely carved and parcel gilt border of scrolling design with grotesque masks with carved atlantes to the centre and outer corners with carved grotesque masks, scroll and swag decoration.

“

This leads down to a stylised scallop shell plinth, the side panels also carved with reclining female figures in a landscape within a carved scroll border.

LVS Decorative Arts

fig 3. Extremely rare mid 16th century Italian walnut and parcel gilt cassone (chest), probably from the Tuscany region — fig 3. Extremely Rare Mid 16th Century Italian Walnut and Parcel Gilt Cassone (Chest), Probably from the Tuscany Region

The Renaissance was the great period of the cassone, although they continued to be made up until and during the 19th century. They have survived often due to the fact they were made in pairs as marriage chests. Also, they were of such good quality and design the generations who owned them passed them down through their families and they were treasured as works of art.

fig 4. Extremely rare mid 16th century Italian walnut and parcel gilt cassone (chest), probably from the Tuscany region — fig 4. Extremely Rare Mid 16th Century Italian Walnut and Parcel Gilt Cassone (Chest), Probably from the Tuscany Region

Unfortunately we cannot find any identical examples of design or carving, some examples with similarities can be found in the V&A Museum, London and in the book ‘A History of Italian Furniture’ Volume I by William M Odom.

fig 5. Extremely rare mid 16th century Italian walnut and parcel gilt cassone (chest), probably from the Tuscany region — fig 5. Extremely Rare Mid 16th Century Italian Walnut and Parcel Gilt Cassone (Chest), Probably from the Tuscany Region

This unique cassone is in very good near original condition, other than the top, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home or collection – the upholstered leather top makes this cassone a very versatile piece for both seating and storage.