17th Century Cabinet Decor Inlaid Flowers, Birds, Music And Architecture.

Rare collector's cabinet, inlaid decoration of flowers, birds, music and architecture.

The flap conceals an architectural facade made up of numerous drawers framing a door concealing a small theater. The facade and sides are covered with nets composed of geometric patterns and patterns simulating ironwork grids, the side parts are decorated with falling iron handles. In the center of each panel making up the flap, a bird resting on a bouquet of foliage is inlaid. Open, the cabinet presents a luxuriant decor: on the interior side of the flap, a frieze of flowers and cut leather frames a carpet of flowering branches serving as a background for a composition on the theme of arts and letters: a book sits alongside disputes musical instruments, drum, lute, flute and trumpet. The drawers are so many chalkboards, depicting cities with imaginary architectures, future ruins already partially invaded by the vegetation which will eventually cover them, metaphorical elements inviting us to meditate on the transient nature of human achievements. This vegetation, here simulated by the tufts scattered randomly in these landscapes, has led to the name “wild grass cabinet” for this family of boxes integrating this typology of decor. Period: 17th century. Very good condition, there are old restorations and various grafts, side handles and later keyholes. Workshops in the Augsburg region. Maples, Walnut, Ash, Plum, Cormier, Fir.