An Italian marble and mother-of-pearl mounted lacquer table cabinet, Venetian late 16th/early 17th century

of architectural form centred by a triangular pediment surmounted by gilt-metal figures depicting various saints above a niche enclosing two drawers flanked by two marble columns and two further niches concealing two drawers flanked by a faux marbre column, the whole mounted with various marbles, lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl and decorated in gilt on an ebonised ground on later flattened bun feet

The gilt-lead figures are slightly tarnished and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. Some of the marble has been replaced with faux marbre. The sides of the drawers have been ebonised and the inside painted red. One of the marble columns has a break as visible from photograph, which can easily be restored. There has been some refreshment to the painting and gilding, especially the sides. The hinged top is possible a later replacement and has a horizontal construction crack which needs filling. A rare piece in overall good conserved condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
Hans Huth, Lacquer of the West, The History of the Craft and Industry 1550-1950, Chicago, 1971, plates 17 &  19.
A. G. Palacios, I Mobili Italiani, Il patrimonio artistico del Quirinale, Milan, 1996, pp. 42-43, fig.1, for a related cabinet reproduced here in fig.1.
C. Santini, Mille Mobili Veneti, L'arredo domestico in Veneto dal sec. XV al sec XIX, Venezia,  Volume III, Modena, MMII, p.25, fig.18, for another cabinet (Collection Meli Lupi di Soragna, Parma). 

This type of cabinet mounted with marble plaques is typical of Venetian Renaissance decorative art with the black and gilt lacquer imitating Turkish bookbindings, weapons, boxes and other trinkets found in Venice at that time. The decoration also made use of repeated patterns which is common feature in Islamic Art.  The use of marble inlay is reminiscent of the employment of marble in the facades of 15th century churches attributed to Pietro Lombardi, according to Huth, op. cit., p. 7. 

Several examples of these type of cabinets are in major collections and illustrated by Huth, op. cit., such as the the one in the Museum für Angewandte Kunst in Vienna, plates 17 & 18, reproduced here in fig. 2,  and one in Palazzo Doria Pamphilij, Rome, pl. 19. There are also examples in  Castello Sforzesco,  Milan and the Wallace Collection, London.