19th Century North Italian Inlaid Walnut Prie-Dieu Prayer Kneeler Cabinet

Details

Description

Early 19th century, Lombardy region of Northern Italy, likely Milan, showcasing fine quality handcrafted craftsmanship, solid wood construction, and profusely … Read more Early 19th century, Lombardy region of Northern Italy, likely Milan, showcasing fine quality handcrafted craftsmanship, solid wood construction, and profusely inlaid marquetry, parquetry and banding.

This scarce prie-dieu prayer desk kneeler cabinet features a slightly slanted top shelf intended for books or hands and various storage compartments. Having a dovetailed top drawer decorated with intricate scrolled foliate marquetry inlay, opening to reveal sectioned interior, over single cupboard door with banded parquetry trim, opening to fixed-height shelf interior, over a lower integral projecting knee rest, fitted with a large frieze drawer.

Dimensions: (approx)
35.75"h, 25.75"w, 19.25"d

Having the ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including as a kneeling bench, small side cabinet, wall accent, tiered etagage chest, hall console, Bible box, sofa table, and more!

A prie-dieu / prayer kneeler
is a type of prayer desk primarily intended for private devotional use, but which may also be found in religious monastery and dormitory, castle chapels, home altars, shrines, and of course Christian churches. In a church, a prie-dieu is provided during weddings for the bride and groom to kneel on during the service, or may be used by a cleric when he or she leads the worshippers in prayers such as litanies and other prayers. In the Byzantine Rite, a prie-dieu is provided for the bishop when he kneels in the Holy Doors during the consecration of a church. One may also be used by the priest reciting Kneeling Prayers at Pentecost, or in place of a pew in dedicated prayer rooms.

Condition:
Great original antique condition with nicely aged warm rich patina and lustrous glow

Strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound, attractive appearance, minimal wear commensurate with age, use, handling and display. Delivered cleaned, waxed, with hand rubbed patina, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment! See less