Mid-18th Century, Italian Rococo Lacquered Wood Drop-Front Chest of Drawers

This unusual drop-front chest of drawers represents a fine example of mid-18th-century Genoese lacquered cabinetmaking. Characterized by a sinuous and harmonious profile, the piece features a three-drawer front, with the upper drawer slightly smaller in height. The uprights project beyond the drawer front and terminate in shaped feet.
The upper section consists of an opening compartment fitted with a small drop-front panel (known as a “ribalta”) which pivots on pins and can be lowered or raised as needed. When open, it provides a convenient writing surface, lacquered and decorated with faux marble, where cerulean veining intertwines on a light background, creating a strikingly modern chromatic contrast. When open, the drop-front rests on two pull-out supports positioned near the outer upper corners of the first drawer.
The interior fitted compartment, entirely lacquered and decorated with fillets and floral ornaments, reveals a set of six small side drawers, one lower drawer, and five open compartments for storing small personal items.
The entire surface of the chest and drop-front is lacquered in an ivory-white tone. The painted decoration is a triumph of flowering ramages and scrolls executed in shades of blue and green, enlivened by small polychrome red flower bouquets. These vegetal motifs seem to climb naturally along the profiles of the piece, framing its architecture as well as the original chased bronze handles, pulls, and escutcheons.
This piece successfully combines functionality with strong decorative appeal, capable of drawing attention in any interior. Its compact dimensions—particularly its shallow depth—make it a rare find on the antiques market. The freshness of the light lacquer and the delicacy of the floral motifs make it extraordinarily versatile: ideal for a historic residence, yet equally able to harmonize with a contemporary design setting. Suitable for a bedroom, it can just as easily be placed in a living room, study, bathroom, or entrance hall. A piece of Genoese costume history, distinguished by its timeless charm.
There are some late 19th-century restorations affecting the lacquer. A conservation-restoration treatment will be carried out shortly.

Dimensions: W 111 cm x D 54 cm x H 102 cm. Depth with drop-front open: 75 cm