North Italian School, circa 1500

Losses, worming and general abrasions consistent with age, particularly around edges of the lid and to the back panel. The three gilt moldings beneath the lid are replaced. Some restorations including later replacements to two lower supports. Some age cracks, including one halfway through hinged lid and one on upper right portion of front panel. Some other patches, wear and divots on lid. The iron lock is replaced. Areas of refreshed paint throughout, but also extensive remains of original paint.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This charming cassone, likely Tuscan in origin, is decorated in a millefiori design with rabbits, hoopoes, guinea foul and other birds.  The millefiori motif was popular in France and Italy in the 15th and 16 centuries and was often employed in tapestry design, with animals nestled among the flowers.  A similar design can be found in a Florentine intarsia cassone panel, thought to date to 1460 and now in the collection of the Museo Stefano Bardini, Florence.¹

1.  P. Schubring, Cassoni, Truhen und Truhenbilder der italienischen Frührenaissance, reproduced plate XI.