17th Century Tuscan Italian Renaissance Period Walnut Table-Top Cabinet / Wall Cupboard

Details

Description

A rare and unusual antique Italian walnut table-top cabinet (now also wall hanging cupboard), 17th century and later elements, with … Read more A rare and unusual antique Italian walnut table-top cabinet (now also wall hanging cupboard), 17th century and later elements, with handsome warm rich dark patina and interesting provenance!

Originating in the Tuscan region of Central Italy, likely Florence, circa 1675, showcasing rustic handmade construction and traditional old world craftsmanship, late Renaissance period, diminutive form reminiscent of a medieval credenza, having a flat projecting molded cornice trimmed with hand carved dentil molding, above a narrow case fitted with a unique nearly concealed small drawer to the top of each side, flanking a single paneled door retaining the original forged iron snipe-bill or gimmal hinges, opening to reveal a shelved interior, unfinished boarded back, the exterior embellished with applied brass diamond elements, over stepped molding base raised on bracket feet.

- PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION:
Property from the Collection of Frederick H. Schrader, Napa Valley, California.

Who acquired it from;
The estate of the late David Abbate, New York and New Jersey; Mr. Abbate was a renowned collector of Renaissance era decorative arts, who spent a lifetime extensively studying, searching, and acquiring important works from the middle ages, eventually curating a most impressive museum quality collection, which became one of the most highly anticipated and talked about auctions in the antique and art world at the time, tilted "A Passion for the Renaissance, the estate of David Abbate Auction" by CRN Auctions, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, on May 31, 2014, the present item lot #386;

Lynx Hollow Antiques acquired it from Mr. Frederick Schrader at the highly reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas, on April 17, 2025, titled "Sophisticated Palate: Fine & Decorative Arts from the Collection of Frederick H. Schrader, Napa Valley Signature Auction" catalog #8210, lot #61053

Fred Schrader is often described as one of the "bad boys" of Napa Valley, a title that reflects his adventurous spirit and unconventional approach to life. In addition to producing many of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignons – first with Colgin Cellars, then with Schrader Cellars – Fred Schrader has been an art dealer and collector since the 1970s, and he has traveled the world in pursuit of the finest treasures.

On April 17, Heritage Auctions proudly presented items from the collector’s remarkable finds in their Sophisticated Palate: Fine & Decorative Arts from the Collection of Frederick H. Schrader, Napa Valley Signature Auction. The auction featured fine European, American, and Spanish Colonial furniture, paintings, sculpture, period antiques, rare curiosities, rugs and more, which capture Fred's unwavering commitment to the pursuit of excellence and adventure.

- DIMENSIONS:
18" Tall x 16" Wide x 7" Deep
(45.7 x 40.6 x 17.8 cm

- VERSATILE:
As warm and handsome as it is functional, having the ideal small size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including being mounted with later metal bracket hangers to the verso for easy wall hanging, ideal for use as a medicine cabinet, mounting above a pier table, as a shelf bracket or simply decorative wall accent; Placed freestanding on the floor as a slim and petite side cabinet; Standing on a table, hall console or chest of drawers, used as a collectors cabinet or cabinet of curiosities, writing box, jewelery casket, odds and ends storage, or for storing coins and valuables as it was likely intended.

- CONDITION REPORT:
The cabinet in fine condition, especially considering its age.

Overall a remarkable example in great antique condition, attractive appearance, with nicely aged warm patina, lustrous sheen, dark rich character marks, and patinated metalwork. Strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound, wear commensurate with age, use & handling, such as minor scattered nicks, scuffs, fissures, abrasions and minor losses throughout, including one side with loss to two brass diamond elements. Old pinholes and woodworm observed to door, reverse and underside. Top with slight separation at interior corner joints, minor rubbing and accretions. Hinged door slightly crooked but functional. Reverse with typical separation down the middle of boards. Superb presentation.

Delivered lightly cleaned, waxed with hand rubbed patina, ready for immediate use and multi-generational enjoyment! See less