An Italian scagliola panel, Carpi first quarter 18th century

of rectangular form the centre with playing cards, flowers and fruit including cherries and plums and with a card with a figure and inscribed VALET DINIES, within a scrolling foliate border with a scrolled boss at each corner, and with a further boss on each side, on a modern steel and gilt-bronze empire style base on hoof feet; panel restored

Sold in these Rooms, 13th December 2000, lot 196( £23,000).

In overall good condition. Can be placed immediately. Top old minor chips and scratches but the top in good condition and retained its colour and detail.
"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."

It is interesting to compare the present top with other scagliola tops which are often signed by Tuscan makers and also depict trompe l'oeils of cards and various other objects.

One top sold Christie's New York, 16th November 1999, lot 649, was signed by Bonuccelli; one sold in these Rooms, 3rd December 1997, lot 72, also by L Bonuccelli and another similar one was sold in the Rooms, 3rd July 1953, lot 285.
There is a scagliola table top depicting a game of piquet and a torn knave of diamonds in the collections of the Earl Spencer, Althorp, Northamptonshire (included in the inventory of furniture in 1746 and illustrated in Country Life, May 1959, p. 1022). Another pair with cards is in the collection of the Earl of Pembroke at Wilton (one of the two is illustrated in the Guide Book of the house, p. 15). Another is at Saltram (T/Sal/28). Also see Graziano Manni, I maestri della Scagliola, Modena MCMXCVII, p. 27.