A pair of Italian green and polychrome painted credenze, Marche or Tuscan 18th century

each with concave sides and panelled doors decorated with ribboned foliage, a grotesque mask and dolphins opening to reveal a shelf on flattened bun feet, one frieze with the letters 'A...o...' incised and the other with a number 2'

Old minor marks, chips, scratches and water stains commensurate with age and as visible from photo, some minor retouching to the painted decoration and some minor losses, as visible from photograph. There are hairline and other vertical construction cracks generally due to normal shrinkage which can either be left or easily filled. The insides have been later lined in yellow moiré silk. Charming detail to decoration. Rare to find a pair such as this. They can be placed immediately and are in very good conserved condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
Saul Levy, Il Mobile Veneziano del Settecento, Vol. I, Milan, 1964, Tav 161, for a painted credenza of similar  proportions with serpentine flaring sides.
Carlo Steiner ed., Mobili e Ambienti Italiani dal gotico al floreale, Vol. II, Milan, 1963, plate 396, for another painted credenza.