138. 138W Y Ф An important Louis XIII ivory-inlaid ebony, ebonized, wacapou, amaranth and kingwood cabinet on stand, mid-17th century, the stand of later date Of rectangular form, richly carved overall, the pediment with figural and scrolling motifs above two doors centred by battle scenes within ripple-moulded borders and draped figures as encadrements, the reverse of the doors equally carved, concealing a richly fitted interior with further ebony carved drawers, framing two central doors opening to a stunning veneered and ivory-inlaid theatrical interior with architectural motifs, engraved panels and more small drawers and secrets, the sides with richly carved and engraved bouquets within oval reserves and ripple moulded framing, and on a conformingly carved stand with panelled frieze and twelve tapering turned legs joined by a box stretcher, losses to ebony elements , 165cm wide, 57cm deep, 193cm high (64 1/2in wide, 22in deep, 75 1/2in high). This type of cabinet was first in fashion in France from the second quarter of the 17th century. It created a revolution in the history of French furniture making, the actual beginning of cabinetmaking. The cabinet makers, called 'ébénistes', referring to specialists in ebony veneering became particularly in fashion at the time. This new technique spread to the Parisian workshops via carpenters originally from the Netherlands or from Germany who were already specialized in working the precious hardwood, ebony. They were indeed influenced by the cabinets traditionally made in their countries of origin but developed a new version of such cabinets with richly carved narrative scenes in low relief often combining architectural décor. Precious cabinets of this type, veneered all over with striking ebony were among the grandest pieces of furniture made in Paris in the middle of the seventeenth century. They were indeed conceived as ceremonial pieces of furniture. Made to house collections of small precious objects, jewels, coins, medals, shells and other precious items, but were as well made to display power and wealth, conceived to impress with meaningful iconography scenes with religious, mythological scenes or literary themes, and to be admired as luxury objects in their own right. One of the most celebrated example of these cabinets is the 'Endymion cabinet', circa 1645, conserved in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The cabinet here offered displays the incredible elaboration and sophistication of cabinet-making techniques of the time. Not only the outside of the cabinet is fully carved in low relief depicting iconographic scenes, but the inside of the doors too, contrasting with the elaborate geometric polychrome veneered scenes of the central section of the fitted interior. A closely related cabinet on stand was sold Bonhams London, Fine Furniture sale, 15 December 2011, lot 19 (£91,250 incl. buyers premium). Ce lot contient ou est fabriqué en ivoire et est accompagné d'un CIC. Veuillez noter que le CIC n'est valable que dans le cadre de l'Union Européenne et n'autorise pas l'exportation du lot en dehors du Territoire de l'UE. Merci de contacter le département pour plus de détails.