Boat-Shaped Mahogany Wall Bench Italy First Half 18th Century

Boat-Shaped Mahogany Wall Bench Italy First Half 18th Century

Features

Age: 19th Century / 1801 - 1900

Origin: Liguria, Italy

Main essence: Mahogany

Material: Mahogany Slab , Mahogany Feather Banded Slab

Description

A boat-shaped mahogany wall bench. Richly carved uprights with dragons and leaves. Padded seat. Italy, first half 18th Century.

Product Condition:
The item shows signs of wear due to age. Any damage or loss is displayed as completely as possible in the pictures. It may require restoration and recovery of french polish.

Dimensions (cm):
Height: 84
Width: 222
Depth: 76

Seat height: 49

Additional Information

Age: 19th Century / 1801 - 1900

19th Century / 1801 - 1900

Main essence: Mahogany

It is one of the most precious and sought-after woods in cabinet making. It was discovered in Central America around 1600 and began to be imported to England in the 1700s. Much appreciated for its hardness and indestructibility, it became widespread following the blocking of walnut exports from France in 1720 and the consequent elimination of English import duties on mahogany from the colonies in America and India. The most valuable version comes from Cuba, but it became very expensive. At the end of the 18th century it began to be used also in France in Louis XVI, Directory and Empire furniture, its diffusion declined starting from when Napoleon, in 1810, forbade its import. It was generally used in the manufacture of elegant furniture, due to its characteristics and beautiful grain.