Early 18th Century solid walnut drop-leaf desk and chest of drawers. Manufactured in Emilia, Italy. Three drawers, drop-leaf door with carved panels. Four internal drawers, open compartment, pair of sliding top hiding secret drawers. Carved feet. Poplar interiors. Back made of two boards.
Product Condition: Good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Any damage or loss is displayed as completely as possible in the pictures.
Dimensions (cm): Height: 104 Width: 137 Depth: 70
Additional Information
Age: 18th Century / 1701 - 1800
18th Century / 1701 - 1800
Main essence: Walnut
Walnut wood comes from the plant whose botanical name is juglans regia , probably originally from the East but very common in Europe. Light or dark brown in color, it is a hard wood with a beautiful grain, widely used in antique furniture. It was the main essence in Italy throughout the Renaissance and later had a good diffusion in Europe, especially in England, until the advent of mahogany. It was used for solid wood furniture and sometimes carvings and inlays, its only big limitation is that it suffers a lot from woodworm. In France it was widely used more than anything else in the provinces. In the second half of the eighteenth century its use decreased significantly because mahogany and other exotic woods were preferred.