AN ITALIAN BRASS-MOUNTED, EBONY, PIETRA DURA AND PIETRA PAESINA TABLE CABINET
AN ITALIAN BRASS-MOUNTED, EBONY, PIETRA DURA AND PIETRA PAESINA TABLE CABINET
AN ITALIAN BRASS-MOUNTED, EBONY, PIETRA DURA AND PIETRA PAESINA TABLE CABINET
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AN ITALIAN BRASS-MOUNTED, EBONY, PIETRA DURA AND PIETRA PAESINA TABLE CABINET

PARTS 17TH CENTURY AND ADAPTED

Details
AN ITALIAN BRASS-MOUNTED, EBONY, PIETRA DURA AND PIETRA PAESINA TABLE CABINET
PARTS 17TH CENTURY AND ADAPTED
The exterior mounted with scrolling etched brass centered by a crest, the interior fitted with drawers
10 ½ in. (26.5 cm.) high, 16 ½ in. (42 cm.) wide, 11 ½ in. (29 cm.) deep
Provenance
With Galerie von Negelein, Kiel.
Acquired from Arthur Davidson, Ltd., London, 1985.
The James and Marilynn Alsdorf Collection, Chicago.
Exhibited
Schloss Charlottenburg, Berlin, 1983.

Lot Essay

Pietra paesina, the marble in the background of the plaques, is mined from the Arno area of Italy. Its literal translation, "landscape stone," aptly captures its fantastically colored and figured graining. This landscape pattern was created when the stone fractured from the earth's movement and water then passed through and reacted to the oxides in its chemical makeup. The marble can then be cut in such a way to exploit these patterns.
Small plaques of pietra paesina were popular for the decoration of cabinets and tables. Though primarily associated with Italian furniture, pietra paesina was also used in Germany.

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