A pewter, green stained horn and fruitwood inlaid rosewood and ebony veneered floral marquetry and contra partie Boulle marquetry cabinet, attributed to the workshop of Pierre Gole (circa 1620-1680) Louis XIV, circa 1670

with two bowed frieze drawers above a canted front with one long drawer above a pair of cupboard doors later inlaid with a roundel with a bird on a plinth amongst carnations, flanked by five further drawers each alternating with flowers, birds and butterflies, the central doors opening to reveal a mirrored interior opening to reveal a later shelf flanked on either side by four small drawers inlaid with boulle marquetry with scrolling foliage with similarly inlaid doors, the sides inlaid with floral marquetry and cornucopia, on a later conforming canted fronted stand with three frieze drawers on six square tapering legs joined by a concave fronted stretcher on flattened bun feet, the whole profusely inlaid with floral marquetry; marquetry on front of doors restored

The colours slightly darker overall and more natural and attractive than in the catalogue photo. There are hairline cracks generally and some old cracks which have been filled in the past. The escutcheons have been regilt and some of the locks have been changed. There is also evidence of internal alterations. The moulding to the base of the right side is missing some of the ebony veneer which can easily be replaced and there are old restorations to the veneer generally. The rear feet on the stand have sections chipped off the back which require some minor attention. 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."

Pierre Gole or Golle was born in Holland but moved to Paris and by 1643 was apprenticed to the menuisier en ébène Adrien Garbrant. By 1681, he had a workshop at the Gobelins Manufactory in Paris. He was extremely successful and his sophisticated use of inlay was highly regarded so much so he undertook a commission for Louis XIV, for a monumental medal cabinet, which was completed in 1661, for the Royal study at the Louvre. His sumptuous use of veneers inlaid tortoishell, brass and pewter ensured a supply of commissions from the very wealthiest and aristocratic patrons including Cardinal Mazarin being one such illustrious patron. 

The offered lot, with its finely worked marquetry panels and gilt-bronze mounts and very architectural form are very much in the manner of the workshop of Pierro Gole.