Early 18th Century Italian Walnut Veneered Drop-Leaf Desk and Chest of Drawers

Features

Main essence: Walnut

Material: Walnut Slab , Solid Wood of Different Species , Solid Olive

Description

An early 18th Century walnut and olive tree veneered drop-leaf desk and chest of drawers, manufactured in Northern Italy. Shaped drop-leaf door and three drawers. Four internal drawers with locks and open compartments. Olive tree and maple inserts. The handles are not coeval.

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: 111
Width: 142
Depth: 68

Additional Information

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.