Small 18th century master chest of drawers

Small chest of drawers entirely inlaid on the front, on the sides and on the top.
It opens with three curved drawers inlaid with colored foliage.
The tray, in a walnut frame, is inlaid with a reserve underlined with nets welcoming an elegant floral basket enhanced with colours.
This pretty little chest of drawers rests on four ''rave'' legs surmounted by a molded cornice.

Dimensions
L.37 cm x H. 27 cm x D. 22 cm

Germany
Late 18th century

Master's furniture
Since the Middle Ages, to become a master in the time of the guilds, journeyman carpenters had to present a masterpiece which stood out as a scale model of a ''real'' piece of furniture.
Despite the complexity of the manufacture, which required meticulousness, concentration and experience, the execution of these miniature pieces of furniture had to be exemplary.
The spirit of companionship, made of disinterestedness, also wanted the masterpieces to remain anonymous, which makes attributions difficult.
There are also other miniature objects such as ''distractions''. These were executed by craftsmen outside their working hours, or when they were retired. The cabinetmaker, by passion or by challenge, executed a last work, the last testimony of his know-how and his skill.