A NORTH ITALIAN KINGWOOD BUREAU PLAT

The restrained lines of this elegant bureau plat are characteristic of mid-18th Century Genoese furniture production. An interpretation of the French bureau plat, such bureaux called diplomatica, were typically veneered in kingwood, rosewood, and rich walnut, most often devoid of any mounts, thereby emphasizing the natural simple elegance of their curves. Related Genoese diplomatica bureaux plats are illustrated in L. Canonero, Barocchetto Genovese, Milan, 1962, figs. XCV and CIV. A closely-related Genoese bureau was sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 6 December 2007, lot 77 (£62,900 including premium).