16th Century Italian Renaissance Walnut Cabinet With Rich Carvings

Italy / 16th Century / Cabinet / walnut / Renaissance / Antique

Rare 16th Century Italian Renaissance cabinet in walnut with hand carved decorations of 3 heads and floral patterns frames.

The top part of this cabinet used to be an Italian Cassone or marriage chest. These chest were richly carved and were the trophy finishing of rich merchants and aristocrats in the Italian culture from the late Middle Ages onward. The Cassone was the most important piece of furniture of that time. It was given to a bride and placed in the bridal suite. It would be given to the bride during the wedding, and it was the bride's parents' contribution to the wedding. From the mid 18th century when people were settling the Cassones were transformed into a more practical cabinet by adding a base under the chest. The front of the chest became the door instead of the top. This cabinet is a beautiful example of this tradition. It still has its handles on each side as a testament to history.

We had this spectacular piece professionally restored while maintaining its rich patina and respecting some old restorations.

This museum worthy cabinet, hand carved from beautiful walnut wood is a stunning blend of craftsmanship and long history.