18th Century Louis XVI Italian Nightstands Cabinets with Marble Top, Marquetry, 1780, Set of 2

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This exceptional pair of italian louis xvi nightstands, originating from the skilled workshops of tuscany circa 1780, represents a refined … Read more This exceptional pair of italian louis xvi nightstands, originating from the skilled workshops of tuscany circa 1780, represents a refined example of 18th-century italian craftsmanship.

these charming bedside cabinets, also perfectly suitable as accent tables, boasting pleasingly versatile dimensions, present a unique opportunity to add a touch of understated elegance to any interior. Beyond their traditional role as bedroom furniture, these pieces are perfectly sized to flank a sofa in the living room, serve as elegant side tables or end tables in a study, or even add a sophisticated touch to a hallway, their functionality extends beyond the conventional.

what truly sets these antique nightstands apart is the seamless integration of their authentic original black marble tops, subtly veined with grey and white. Unlike many similar pieces where the marble is simply placed on top, here the marble is meticulously inset into the wooden frame and secured with a wooden band, a testament to the cabinetmaker’s dedication to quality and enduring design.

the nightstands showcase the exquisite artistry of italian intarsio, or marquetry. Precious fruitwoods, including the warm blonde of tuscan flamed walnut and the subtle green hues of pear wood, are expertly inlaid to create mesmerizing, mirrored and book matched geometric patterns. These patterns, featuring herringbone and diamond motifs, flow seamlessly across the surfaces, demonstrating a remarkable level of precision, even across the doors and drawers of these small cabinets. The doors are accented with original, beautifully cast bronze handles in a stylized lyre design, adding a touch of classical elegance.

one of the most captivating and unusual features of this pair of commodes is their subtle asymmetry. While sharing identical dimensions and overall form, one night table features a single door, while its counterpart boasts a door above a generously sized drawer, offering varied storage cabinets for your needs. The true brilliance of the cabinetmaker is revealed in the drawer's ingenious full-extension mechanism: as the drawer is opened, the front legs gracefully swing outward, revealing the fully extended drawer and maintaining the perfect alignment of the inlaid patterns. This unique feature hints at the tables' original purpose; in the past, the drawer was often designed as a "comoda," to house a chamber pot.
adding to their refined appeal are the fluted pyramidal legs, a signature of the louis xvi period, adorned with delicately carved rosettes and floral motifs. These intricate carvings are expertly contrasted against the wood grains, creating depth and enhancing the play of light and shadow.
condition: excellent antique condition, commensurate with age. Minor imperfections may be present, adding to the character and authenticity of these historic pieces.
these louis xvi nightstands showcase an exceptional original patina and marquetry, a testament to their careful preservation.
their remarkable state is directly linked to their exclusive provenance.
the vast majority of our curated inventory is sourced and carefully hand picked directly from private homes and collections.
this discerning selection process ensures you're acquiring items that have never been offered for sale before - a significant advantage in antique collecting- and guarantees both the rarity and the well-preserved condition of pieces lovingly cared for and passed down through generations. The marble tops, with their captivating patina and grain, add a final touch of exceptional beauty.


these antique neoclassical nightstands offer a rare blend of artistry, functionality, and historical significance. The combination of exquisite marquetry, high-quality materials, and ingenious design makes this pair a truly exceptional addition to any discerning collector's home, a valuable investment and a beautiful conversation piece.

dimensions: h. 80 cm, w. 55 cm, d. 42 cm. See less