A fine South German renaissance walnut, ash, yewwood, fruitwood and marquetry table cabinet Augsburg, third quarter 16th century

originally a fall front cabinet, now with late 17th/early 18th century English brass mounts.

With scattered age and construction cracks, dents, abrasions, scuffs and scratches. Scattered losses and restorations to inlay. Most age cracks and losses to exterior; most extensive on sides, restoration recommended. Doors originally a fall front, now lacking original mounts and fitted with later mounts and hinges. Interior in overall much better condition than exterior. One drawer with front detached but present. Drawer pulls later.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This cabinet is an example of a type produced in Augsburg at the end of the sixteenth century. Originally provided with a fall-front, it served as a writing desk that could at the same time be used to store precious belongings and confidential papers; the contemporary term for it was Schreibtisch (writing table). The carrying handles at the sides allowed it to be taken on travels. The intricate and elaborate marquetry with which the cabinet is decorated on all sides, immediately marked it as a fashionable luxury item, reflecting the taste and the status of its owner. Indeed, cabinets of this kind may be said to be the earliest kind of international luxury furniture made in large quantities anywhere in Europe.
From the middle of the sixteenth century, Augsburg had witnessed an extraordinary ascendency as a centre of furniture production for the international market, a new phenomenon at the time. In particular, the development of marquetry contributed to this prominent position, favored by the ready availability of a large variety of indigenous woods and the invention of improved types of saws and other equipment. Augsburg marquetry of the time almost invariably depicts ruins, as on the present cabinet as well as the celebrated 'Wrangelschrank' in the Landesmuseum Münster, which is dated to 1566 and although slightly more architectural in the layout of its interior is certainly closely related in its marquetry to the present cabinet. Already in 1567, a collection of prints by Lorenz Stöer with perspective views of ruins combined with strapwork was published in this city, particularly influential was his 'den Schreiner in eingelegter Arbeit dienstlich'. Sixteenth century marquetry of this kind remained highly popular throughout later ages and was frequently adapted to new uses.