Fine 17th Century Marquetry Cabinet

This is a rare and very striking 17th Century Dutch marquetry cabinet on stand in wonderful original condition and of nice small proportions. Made using many different woods including Walnut, Box wood, rosewood and fruitwoods, bone has also been used to good effect on the small white Jasmine flowers. The base is original and has boldly turned and carved ebonized twist legs joining into a shaped marquetry stretcher. Remarkably this piece retains the original gilded brass fishtail drop handles. The outside of the cabinet is impressive but the interior is spectacular featuring the same sand shaded floral Marquetry as the exterior but with even more of it and the addition of wonderfully executed birds of various forms. The drawer linings and back boards are original and made in oak. A false top was added in the 19th Century which we removed to find the original underneath. A label was attached at the time dated 1860, we decided to leave this alone due to it's historical interest. A lovely decorated 17th Century key with pierced handle now works the later lock to the interior door. There is also a working key for the exterior doors. Similar examples to this piece and indeed of Dutch marquetry of the period can be seen at the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam.