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BIEDERMEIER STYLE BURLED BIRCHWOOD SECRETARY DESK
Executed by Colombo Mobili, ca. 21st century
Item # 312SBP08Q
A truly remarkable Biedermeier style secretaire a'abattant desk from the custom furniture maker Colombo Mobili of Italy. It is a 21st century piece that has been made with the highest level of attention to every detail, most notably in the brilliant burlwood veneers that were selected for every primary surface on the desk. These are book-matched to create chaotic but symmetrical landscapes that follow through the drawers across the entire desk.
A distinctly architectural piece, the "tempiesto" form of the top resembles a grand classical building with domed temples on either side, these ebonized for contrast against the rest of the surface with inset domes over stepped staircases that are ideal for showcasing Grand Tour sculptures or similarly fabulous objects. These are also clever hidden compartments, each temple withdrawing to reveal a storage space built into the back of each. The central door opens to reveal a shelved interior. This is an entirely self-contained section and it lifts off of the rest of the desk to allow for a slightly lighter and much safer transport.
Beneath a full-width top drawer, the fall-front lowers with high-quality brass arms that are designed with enough tension to allow for a controlled descent of the front. It reveals a well-fitted interior with a central fan-inlaid prospect door over a drawer flanked on either side by six pigeon-hole letter slots over an open compartment, all raised over three smaller veneered drawers with ebony borders. The lower body features three more full-width drawers, all drawers being dovetailed and of the highest grade. The reverse is branded with their maker mark. An incredible piece that was built to last centuries.
Measurements: 75" H x 20 3/4" D x 41 3/4" W; writing surface is 29 3/8" H over the floor with 28 3/8" knee clearance
Condition Report:
Very fine vintage condition; some minor chips and nicks, including several along the left edge of the fall-front, a few edge chips along the bottom edge of the right side, other minor scuffs including to the corners of the feet. Overall remaining almost untouched. Remarkable high grade of craftsmanship throughout. Comes with four keys.