An Italian gilt-bronze-and pietre dure and marble-mounted bone and ivory inlaid ebony and ebonised cabinet, Milanese, attributed to Ferdinando Pogliani circa 1870

the upper section with a triple-domed pediment surmounted by a gilt-bronze scrolled cartouche with an unidentified coat-of-arms above three doors each with a single shelf flanked by columns with Corinthian capitals surmounted by gilt-bronze mythological figures above three drawers above three doors with rectangular engraved ivory plaques with Allegorical figures depicting Geometry and Geography above lunettes with shield shaped reserves of jaspers and lapis lazuli, the central door opening to reveal a fitted interior with mirrored arcades, four short drawers above a chequerboard floor, the lower section with three drawers above three doors, the whole inlaid throughout with Berainesque motifs, including grotesques, putti, birds and flowers, with marble columns with Corinthian capitals, the sides with geometric stringing, on an inverted breakfront platform base

In country house condition. In need of some attention but once restored it will look most attractive. Colour overall slightly darker and with more colour contrast of the stones and more attractive than in the catalogue photograph.The sides are warping slightly and there are scattered age cracks and some lifting veneers eg the engraved ivory rectangular panels. There is evidence of a previous mount in the centre of the broken pediment on the top. There are some minor sections of moulding missing eg broken pediment central section left side which can easily be replaced. There are some minor inlay losses generally eg the top roundel central cupboard door where part of the ivory surround is now missing. The left door on the upper section has dropped slightly and the hinge needs adjusting. Escutcheons missing on the three drawers on the lower section but these can easily be replaced. The mounts are dirty and the Corinthian capitals which would benefit from a light clean.
"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:
Enrico Colle, Il Mobile dell'Ottocento in Italia, Arredi e Decorazioni d'Interni dal 1815 al 1900, Milan, 2007, pp. 388-389.
Monique Riccardi-Cubitt, The Art of the Cabinet, London, 1992, no.120.
Christopher Payne, European Furniture of the 19th Century, Suffolk, 2013, p. 454-455. 

This impressive cabinet in the Italian Renaissance revival style is inlaid with semi-precious hardstones and ivory on an ebony ground and became popular in the second half of the 19th century. Payne op. cit., p. 454-454, illustrates two related cabinets, one of which has a similar gilt-bronze cresting to that on the offered cabinet. The style of the cabinet with its scrolling foliage, amorini and cameos is reminiscent of the work being produced by North Italian craftsmen such as Ferdinando Pogliani and Giovanni Battista Gatti. The latter was renowned for his skill in employing semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli and marbles on an ebony ground. See Colle op. cit., p. 389 for a related cabinet by Pogliani mounted with pietre dure and engraved ivory plaques on an ebony ground.

Fernando Pogliani (fl. 160's and 1870's) had premises at Borgo du Porta, Vittoria N. 81, Milan. He was known for producing large scale architectural items with a heavy baroque influence with marquetry and engraved Ivory figures.

Giovanni Battista Gatti (fl. 1850-1880) was one of the finest firms executing ivory inlay of the Exhibition era, exhibiting in both the 1855 and 1878 Exhibitions in Paris to the very highest standards. The Austrian Emperor and Cardinal Amant were amongst his most important patrons.

Another similar cabinet was sold Sotheby's, Milan, 16th December 2003, Lot 275 (45,600e).

A very similar cabinet probably acquired by Hon. Edward Vesey Bligh, son of Edward, 5th Earl Darnley of Cobham Hall and thence by descent was sold Christie's, The Opulent Eye-6th March 2014 ($116, 500), lot 96.