Flemmish Table Cabinet, ca. 1650

Contact Kollenburg Antiquairs BV

Dealer

Kollenburg Antiquairs BV

Price

Price on request

Status

Available

Period

ca. 1650

Material

silver, ebonized and ebony

Description

A table cabinet in black wood. The drawers of the cabinet are decorated with silver panels engraved with birds, flowers and foliage. Similar panels are found on the inside of the doors. On the inside of the lid a small square mirror is flanked by engraved panels showing cartouches with religious images.

Flanders, and particularly Antwerp, became an important centre for the production of ebony cabinets in various sizes from the early 17th century onwards. Even before 1600 ebony was brought to the city and used by the local cabinetmakers. They specialized in the processing of this very hard and exotic type of wood. This resulted in the production of furniture with many doors, drawers and compartments, suitable to store valuable collections. The miniature version of these cabinets were ideally suited for the safekeeping, or even displaying, of trinkets and jewelry.

Ebony cabinets were popular and the clientele substantial, not only in the city, but throughout Europe. Ebony was especially appealing for its colour and density. The surface could be polished to a rich and distinguished finish, very much appreciated in the 17th century.