An Italian red and gold lacquer bureau Sicily, third quarter 18th century

Count Lo Bue Di Lemos, Villa Maria, Casteltermini, Sicily
Sotheby's Milan, December 19 and 20, 2006, lot 334

In very good condition with recent restorations done to stabilize lacquer. Minor old wood worm damage. Consistent cracklure. Some inpainting to areas of earlier loss. Usual abrasions and marks consistent with use and age. The drawers appear to contain their original red paint. Later feet and replaced bottom molding.
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 desk is a potentially unique survival of monumental Sicilian lacquer furniture. The deep red color and the gilt highlights are crafted in the English japanning tradition and are exceptional in their execution. This particular shape of slant-front desk is virtually unprecedented in Sicilian furniture design.

The present lot was part of the family collection of the Counts Lo Bue Di Lemos until the 1950s at their residence the Villa Maria in Casteltermini, south of Palermo. Villa Maria played a role in Italian unification, as Cavaliere Gaetano Lo Bue Di Lemos entertained Garibaldi at the property during the general's Sicilian campaign.