Carcass of Oak, walnut, veneered, inlays in maple, ebony, brass and mother of pearl, partially engraved as well as ivory, partially colored Breslau / Wroclaw, Poland, mid-18th century Verso sticky label inscribed in handwriting ‘Leipzig’ (difficult to read) 2-part high rising structure comprising chest-of-drawers and top part Lower part on claw-and-ball-feet with curved front and triple structured drawers with escutcheons, ribbon appliqués and each tow ring handles Removable upper part with slanting writing surface flanked by refined, slanting drawers as well as extendable trays, the inside with 7 drawers Above that profusely animated top part with 9 drawers and central tabernacle door, behind it a central compartment surmounted by 4 drawers and one compartment with sliding shutter door Artfully curved and bulbous crest with superimposed pilasters and molded cornices All sides with exceptionally rich and quality inlays, the writing flap and the tabernacle door with mythological representations of Hercules (slay of the Nemean Lion and the nine-headed Lernaean Hydra) 3 keys are included Provenance: Private property, Coburg Dimensions: 200.5 x 132 x 81 cm A beautiful example of the Silesian craftsmanship of the Baroque Period, a museum piece! Offered furniture is regarded as excellence of Silesian furniture manufacturing. Not only is it matchless in terms of uniqueness of composition and decoration, but also regarding the subtle sophistication of the carpentry constructions. From c. 1735 onwards, journeyman carpenters have made furniture of this kind as masterpieces in Wroclaw, but only a few pieces have been preserved over the centuries. In addition to the very detailed and varied inlays, the tabernacle bureau also fascinates by its original fittings, making it peerless in the whole of Europe and beyond. The so-called ‘tabernacle bureaus’ emerged parallel to the baroque secretaires, between 1730 and 1760. Typically, they consist of three parts, set one above the other. On a chest-of-drawers, usually with a style-typical curved front, a bureau with hinged desk and an attachment with a central door can be found. This is door is called tabernacle and served once the storage of valuable items. Condition: The stately furniture shows signs of age and wear. The wood partially with blemishes (various small broken off pieces are included) and usual tension cracks. Overall good substance. The Louis seize brass fittings and tthe claw feet probably later. The lock of the lowest drawers is loose. The size measures 200.5 x 132 x 81 cm. (nlu) Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance. Starting bid : 14000