Small Antique Italian Drop-Front Scriban Desk Hand-Painted Venetian Chinoiserie
One of a kind, now sold
Circa 1900s, this beautifully proportioned Italian Scriban brings together the charm of functional craftsmanship with the poetic detailing of Venetian artistry.
The exterior is expressively hand-painted in the Venetian tradition, with gilded and mecca-silver relief work on three faces - a technique far less common than standard painted finishes - evoking a delicate chinoiserie mood. Birds of paradise and flowering branches unfold across the surface in soft, lyrical movement.
The desk retains its original brass hardware, the gentle patina softening the piece with the warmth of age. The drop-front opens to reveal a contrasting interior in Verde Veneziano, a marbled Italian green paintwork framed with gilded borders. Inside, a thoughtfully arranged interior offers two small drawers flanked by pigeonholes - a considered space for letters, notes, and the rituals of daily life.
A quietly expressive piece that captures the romance of early 20th-century Italian decoration, offering beauty and purpose in a refined footprint.
| Dimensions | centimetres | inches |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 103 | 40.6 |
| Width | 73.5 | 28.9 |
| Depth | 37 | 14.6 |
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Our History In Antiques
Since 1994, our family run company has specialised in hand selecting antiques for their unique charm and quality of craftsmanship.
