An Italian burrwood inlaid rosewood and marquetry sofa/writing table, probably Genoese circa 1840

the rectangular top with a hinged flap on either side above two frieze drawers, one fitted with receptacles for writing implements and a hinged writing slide, the pierced sides with faceted columnar supports on splayed legs joined by a turned stretcher, the whole inlaid with flowers, foliage, grotesques and flower-filled tazze

In overall very good conserved condition and is ready to be placed. attractive detail to the marquetry. The top has restored age cracks as visible from the catalogue photograph. There is a small break to the pierced side which is hardly noticeable. and evidence of minor woodworm to legs which appears to be no longer active.
"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:
Roberto Antonetto, Gabriele Capello `Moncalvo', Ebanista di due re, Turin, 2004.
Enrico Colle, Il Mobile dell'Ottocento in Italia, arredi e decorazioni d'interni dal 1815 al 1900,Milan, 2007, pp.  100-101, no. 100.

This intriguing table with its fine mouldings and inventive marquetry decoration with the contrast of light and dark woods using the finest timbers such as rosewood inlaid with a light burrwood suggests an ebanista of distinction. It combines the function of a sofa table with that of a writing table.

Whilst one cannot state a maker with certainty, several names are a possibilty, who were working in a similar style, such as Enrico Peters, the Genoese cabinet-maker working in the middle years of the 19th century, see Colle, op. cit., p.101, for a centre table by him with similar treatment of the marquetry in light and dark woods, as on the offered table. Also see Colle op. cit., p. 100, for a centre table by Peters in contrasting woods with similar scrolling tendrils. The same author also illustrates op. cit., p.100, a comodino by the same maker in a light burr wood with marquetry in a dark wood with a similar flower-filled tazza on the front (Villa Faraggiana, Albisola Marina).

Another cabinet-maker of distinction who one should also consider as the possible maker of this table is Gabriele Capello (1823-1873), who made several sofa tables decorated with scrolling foliage, some of which are illustrated by Antonetto, op. cit., plates 46, 132, 189-for one in light burrwood marquetry on a rosewood ground, now in the `salotto di Capello' in Palazzo Gazelli.  

For further information on Gabriele Capello, see footnote to lot 138.

Henry Thomas Peters (fl. 1817-1852):
He was an English cabinet maker who arrived in Genoa in 1817 and his pieces were inspired by the "Regency" style. He favoured in particular mahogany, Indian walnut and boxwood and made Empire and Restauration pieces and worked for the middle class in Genoa as well for the court. He realised pieces of furniture for leading palazzos such as Palazzo Reale, Genoa, the Villa Durazzo dello Zerbino in Genoa and as well the Palazzo Reale in Turin. In 1835, Peters was nominated "Maker of the Court"  (of  the house of Savoy) after executing a commission for Palazzo Reale in Genoa. Peters used drawings of models made by Canzio and Barabino.