Venetian Ivory Lacquered and Gilt Display Cabinet attributed to Fratelli Testolini from Testolini & Salviati, 1930s

Details

Description

Elegant and refined venetian display cabinet by fratelli testolini, venice, dating to circa the 1930s, characterized by the sophisticated combination … Read more Elegant and refined venetian display cabinet by fratelli testolini, venice, dating to circa the 1930s, characterized by the sophisticated combination of ivory lacquer, antique-gold gilded details, silver-leaf interior and finely hand-etched glass panels.
the cabinet has a particularly light and graceful appearance. Its softly rounded structure is raised on four sculptural gilt cabriole feet, while the lower apron and the molded profiles are enriched with restrained gilded decoration. Rather than creating an overly ornate effect, the gilding is carefully distributed to emphasize the elegant curves and architectural rhythm of the piece.
the large glazed front and the two glazed side panels give the cabinet an unusually airy presence. The crystals are decorated with delicate scrolling foliate motifs entirely executed by hand, following the perimeter of the glass with an understated ornamental pattern. This refined treatment of glass is especially representative of the high-quality venetian decorative arts tradition in which fratelli testolini operated.
the interior is particularly luxurious, finished in silver leaf, which creates a luminous reflective background for the objects displayed inside. Two transparent glass shelves preserve the visual lightness of the cabinet and allow light to pass through the entire interior.
a further important feature is the original internal illumination from above, still functioning, conceived to enhance the silver-leaf surfaces, the etched glass and the objects placed within the cabinet. When illuminated, the interior acquires a subtle theatrical quality while remaining exceptionally elegant.
the combination of the ivory lacquered body, selective antique-gold gilding, sculptural venetian-style feet, hand-decorated glass and silver-leaf interior strongly identifies the cabinet with the sophisticated furniture production of fratelli testolini in venice during the interwar period. It represents the firm's ability to reinterpret the venetian decorative tradition in a lighter and more modern manner appropriate to refined interiors of the 1920s and 1930s.
the cabinet belonged to the chiesura-baldan family of venice and has been part of the a&myart collection since 1980, providing it with an important venetian provenance consistent with its manufacture.
beyond its original function as a display cabinet, the piece is particularly suited today to presenting murano glass, porcelain, silver, sculpture, objets d'art or a curated collection in either a classical or contemporary interior.
maker: fratelli testolini, venice
period: circa 1930s
origin: venice, italy
materials: lacquered wood, gilding, silver leaf, hand-etched glass, glass shelves
color: ivory, antique gold, silver
lighting: original internal top lighting, functioning
dimensions: h 135 × w 150 × d 48 cm
provenance: chiesura-baldan family, venice; a&myart collection since 1980 this piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less