Marquetry table cabinet. Austria or Southern Germany, 17th century.

A pyrogravure and stained pine marquetry table cabinet.

Austria or Southern Germany, early 17th century.

Measures 44 x 41.3 x 28.7cm.

The top and sides of the cabinet are decorated with geometric inlaid panels. The front of the cabinet is enclosed by a pair of doors decorated with parrots perched amongst foliage and the doors interiors are guarded by two guardsmen. The interior is fitted with seven ripple moulded drawers inlaid with various animals: squirrels, dogs, foxes and hares before cityscapes. The drawers are centred around a cupboard decorated with a hunter carrying a hare over his shoulder, this opens to reveal two small drawers with a secret drawer behind.

Condition: The walnut drawer was added in the 19th century. There is a piece of moulding missing to the base at the left hand side. Half of the bone inlaid escutcheon on the inside central door is missing. Traces of worm (now dead) to the outside of the cabinet. Some splitting and surface marks as can be expected with its age. At some point there were carrying handles to each side which are now absent.