A fine Italian carved walnut credenza, Tuscan 16th century

with a rectangular moulded top above a dentil moulding and three frieze drawers interposed by roundels above three doors enclosing a later shelf, the central door with an unidentifiable coat-of-arms, the pilasters carved with a strapwork boss above drapery and guilloche enclosing flowerheads on paw front feet

The top is slightly more faded than the rest and would benefit from a repolish according to taste. There are some hairline contruction cracks in the top where some shrinkage, which can either be filled or left. The drawers have been relined and there have been some internal restorations. The doors have been strengthened on the reverse. One of the roundels flanking the middle drawer on the right hand side has been badly restored and would benefit from a more sympathetic restoration. Evidence of old worm which appears no longer active. The left side is slightly more faded than the rest. Front feet restored. Good large size. In overall good conserved condition. Very fine credenza and good example. Recommended.
"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:
S. Colombo, L'Arte del legno e del mobile in Italia, Torino, 1981, plate 217, for a Tuscan credenza conceived in a smaller vein with similar scrolled bosses carved with drapery  and guilloche enclosing flowerheads on the stiles, in Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, reproduced here in fig.1. This very architectural piece of unusually large proportions is very much in the manneristic taste due to its decorative motifs.