An Italian pietre paesina mounted ebony and ebonised cabinet second half 17th century

of rectangular form with an architectural  pediment concealing a drawer with baluster turned finials above a deep drawer with demi-columns with a drawer below and flanked by four short drawers on bun feet, the whole with ripple-cut mouldings, the later stand with a frieze drawer on spirally turned legs joined by a flat stretcher on flattened bun feet

Ebonising and partial gilding refreshed in places some very minor cracks generally. Very attractive detail to the Pietra-Paesini. Some minor restorations to the ebony. In overall good restored 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:
Monique Riccardo-Cubitt, The Art of the Cabinet, p. 191, fig. 37, p. 192, fig. 51.

In the 1620's,  the use of a type of stone with natural veining `pietre paesina' or `landscape stone'  was employed for decorative effect when panels of it were mounted on cabinets. It is an Albanese limestone which after being polished reveals a natural pattern of mountainous rocky outlines and Arno Lineato, a different variety of the Albanese limestone featuring wavey patterns suggesting seas and rivers. Both types of stone provide a perfect background for painted landscapes which became very fashionable at that time. The latter technique had a special appeal to the humanist's view of the world, bringing together the wonders of the natural world and the refining influence of man's artistic and scientific acheivements.

See a cabinet mounted with pietre paesina panels, sold as lot 237, in these Rooms, the Haute Epoque sale, 29th October 2003, and a further Flemish pietre paesina cabinet sold as lot 217 in the same sale.