When we work on an antique furniture appraisal for a client, we regularly come across pieces which are memorable and beautiful. One such piece was part of a contents project we prepared for a recent local Toronto area client.
One such highlight was this Mid 18th Century Italian Lombardy carved oak hall
bench. It features carved lions head armrests and paw feet, lift top seat and fitted satin cushion, the frame intricately ornamented with Neo Classical bone inlays. Circa 1750. Approx. 45½” wide. Exceptional in detail and craftsmanship and in excellent and well preserved condition after more than 250 years.
Antique Furniture Appraisal Italian Lombardy Bone Inlaid Furniture
Italian furniture, renowned for its artistry and craftsmanship, has long been a symbol of luxury and elegance. One of the most distinctive styles in Italian furniture history is the Lombardy bone inlaid furniture. Originating from the Lombardy region in northern Italy, this unique style of furniture features intricate inlay work, combining bone with wood to create stunning visual effects. The tradition of bone inlay in furniture-making in Lombardy dates back to the 17th century, and it reached its peak during the 18th century. This period marked the height of craftsmanship in the region, producing furniture pieces that were not only functional but also works of art. In this essay, we will explore the history, characteristics, and significance of antique Italian Lombardy bone inlaid furniture.
Historical Context
The use of bone inlay in Lombardy can be traced back to the influence of foreign artisans who came to Italy, bringing with them new techniques and ideas. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, Italy became a cultural hub, attracting artisans from across Europe and beyond. The Lombardy region, with its proximity to the Alps, was a crossroads of trade and cultural exchange. This made it an ideal location for the development of unique artistic styles, such as bone inlay furniture.
Lombardy’s furniture-making tradition flourished in cities like Milan, Como, and Bergamo, where the demand for opulent, richly decorated furniture was high. The wealth and patronage of the ruling aristocracy, including the noble families and the Church, played a significant role in encouraging the production of luxurious and decorative furniture. Bone inlay work, along with other decorative techniques like marquetry, became an essential feature of this high-end furniture, with artisans combining wood with ivory, bone, and sometimes mother-of-pearl to create stunning, intricate designs.
By the 18th century, Lombardy had become one of the most influential centers of furniture-making in Europe, and the use of bone inlay reached its zenith during this period. The most famous examples of Lombardy bone inlaid furniture are often attributed to the late Baroque and Rococo periods, when the demand for ornate, highly detailed decoration was at its peak.
Techniques and Materials
The process of creating Lombardy bone inlaid furniture is highly labor-intensive and requires immense skill and precision. The base material is typically a rich, dark wood such as walnut, walnut burl, or oak, which provides a striking contrast to the lighter bone inlays. The bone used for inlaying is often derived from animal sources like cow or buffalo, with some examples even incorporating ivory. In rare cases, artisans used materials such as tortoiseshell or mother-of-pearl in combination with the bone for added luxury.
The technique of bone inlay involves cutting small, thin pieces of bone into intricate shapes, which are then inserted into the wood surface. The bone pieces are often shaped into geometric patterns, floral motifs, or scenes from nature, creating a stunning visual effect. Inlays may be arranged in symmetrical or asymmetrical designs, depending on the intended aesthetic of the piece.
One of the most distinctive features of Lombardy bone inlaid furniture is its combination of multiple materials and techniques. In addition to the bone inlay, the wood is often veneered with decorative materials such as marquetry (the art of inlaying thin pieces of wood, metal, or other materials) and gilding. The intricate inlaid patterns often feature delicate floral motifs, scrolling vines, and arabesque designs, which were popular during the Rococo and Baroque periods. These embellishments added richness and texture to the overall composition of the furniture, elevating it to the status of fine art.
Types of Furniture
Antique Lombardy bone inlaid furniture spans a wide range of pieces, from small decorative items to larger, more functional furniture. Some of the most notable examples of Lombardy bone inlaid furniture include:
Commodes and Chests of Drawers: These were often the most elaborate and sought-after pieces, showcasing the finest inlay work. The intricate patterns of bone inlay would cover the entire surface of the commode, including the front panels, drawer fronts, and even the sides. The detailed designs on these pieces often depicted floral arrangements, mythical scenes, and allegorical figures, which were highly popular during the Baroque and Rococo periods.
Writing Desks: The writing desk, or bureau, was another key piece in Lombardy's furniture tradition. These desks often featured a combination of bone inlay with marquetry on the writing surface and front panels. The inlay patterns could range from simple geometric designs to more complex, elaborate depictions of landscapes or architectural scenes.
Cabinets: Cabinets were frequently adorned with bone inlay, and they often featured large, ornate designs. These cabinets were used to display fine china, books, or religious artifacts, and the bone inlays were meant to enhance their visual appeal and demonstrate the wealth and taste of the owner.
Mirrors and Frames: Mirror frames in Lombardy were often decorated with bone inlays, creating a striking contrast between the lightness of the bone and the rich, dark wood. These frames would feature floral or foliate patterns, geometric designs, or even intricate scenes from mythology.
Side Tables and Consoles: Smaller furniture pieces, such as side tables and consoles, were also crafted with bone inlay. These tables often served as accent pieces in the home, adding sophistication and opulence to the room. The inlay work on these tables was typically less complex than on larger pieces but still featured finely detailed patterns.
Influence and Significance
The Lombardy region's influence on Italian and European furniture-making cannot be overstated. The bone inlaid furniture of Lombardy became highly prized and sought after by wealthy patrons across Europe, including royal families, noblemen, and high-ranking church officials. It was a symbol of status and wealth, with these luxurious pieces often displayed in palatial homes, private estates, and churches.
Lombardy's tradition of bone inlay influenced other regions of Italy and beyond. As furniture-making spread across Europe, the inlaid designs of Lombardy were emulated and adapted to local tastes. However, the intricacy and precision of Lombardy’s bone inlay work remained unique to the region, making it highly collectible today.
The popularity of Lombardy bone inlaid furniture declined in the 19th century with the rise of industrialization and mass production. However, in recent years, antique pieces have seen a resurgence in interest. Collectors and interior designers alike have recognized the beauty and craftsmanship of these historic pieces, and they are highly valued in the modern antique market.
Conclusion
Antique Italian Lombardy bone inlaid furniture represents a unique and captivating chapter in the history of European furniture design. The combination of exquisite craftsmanship, intricate inlay work, and luxurious materials made these pieces the epitome of opulence during the Baroque and Rococo periods. Today, Lombardy bone inlaid furniture is not only admired for its aesthetic beauty but also as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Lombardy region. Whether displayed in private collections or used as decorative elements in modern interiors, these antique pieces continue to capture the imagination of those who appreciate the artistry and tradition behind them.
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