A fine Italian chinoiserie black, gilt and polychrome lacquer games table probably Piedmont, circa 1840

Sold, Aste di Antiquariato Boetto, February 21-22, 2000, lot 303

Horizontal and diagonal hairline cracks to the top which show evidence of restoration. Old scratches and marks to the table top underneath the varnish consistent with age. Very minor traces of worm holes to the top. One leg slightly loose. Traces of worm to the legs, however these are no longer active. In otherwise good 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The exoticism of the Far East continued to exert a strong influence on European decorative arts well into the 19^th century.  In Sicily the exiled King of Naples, Ferdinand IV created the fantasy Villa Favorita in the Oriental taste.  At Resina outside Palermo, in Turin, Milan and Florence, the vogue for chinoiserie also flourished.  The chinoiseries which were so highly praised in the interiors in Turin in the 18^th century were reinterpreted by artisans who redecorated the royal interiors in Turin and in Piedmont in the 19^th century.

This inventive table painted with such attention to detail presents a whimsical interpretation of early 19^th century Chinese lacquer.  Pelagio Pelagi (1775-1860) designed for the Savoy Court several suites of similar lacquered furniture executed by Descalzi of Chiavari (Genoa): one for the Gabinetto Chinese of the Palazzo Reale in Turin and another for the castle of Ceresole Reale, the property of the Savoy family which appeared on the auction market in 1993.  These pieces were probably executed by Descalzi's workshop in Chiavari, where they specialized in fine painted surfaces.

A lacquered console, decorated in the same manner by Francesco Bianchi and Odoardo Ciabatti, is in the Palazzo Pitti in Florence, reproduced, S. Chiarugi, Botteghie di Mobilieri in Toscana, Vol. I, Florence, 1994, p. 252.