An Italian engraved ivory inlaid fruitwood inlaid, kingwood, walnut marquetry and parquetry base by Pietro Piffetti (1700-1777), Piedmontese circa 1730

of serpentine form with demi-lune projecting corners inlaid with a cartouche enclosing carnations, tulips, flowers and foliage amongst strapwork

Roberto Antonetto, Il Mobile Piemontese nel Settecento, Vol. I, Turin, 2010, p.166, no. 12, illustrated.

The base is in overall very good condition. It is slightly warped which does not detract from its overall appearance. There are some restored and refilled areas which have been well executed. Minor chips, marks and stains throughout consistent with age and use. The piece has been varnished in the past. This varnish can be removed from the ivory inlays according to taste.
"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:
Roberto Antonetto, Il Mobile Piemontese nel Settecento, Vol. I, Turin, 2010, p.166, no. 12, illustrated and discussed.

The offered base by Pietro Piffetti (1700-1777), is known in Italian as a `predella' and presents the same decorative device in the centre with ivory palmettes within a strapwork cartouche, as a `predella', in a Private Collection, illustrated by Antonetto, op. cit., p. 164, 11a and c and reproduced here in fig.1.

One cannot state for certain whether this piece formerly supported a fixed piece of furniture by Piffetti, or if it was made as a freestanding utilitarian piece. These predella were often made to give stability to a piece of furniture or object and by raising the piece higher gave it an added importance.

For further information on Pietro Piffetti, see the footnote to lot 13.