Stylish 17th century Italian cabinet/chest of drawers from Genoa

Magnificent, carved in the Genoese style, coin cabinet made of walnut wood with twenty-one drawers, created for storing secrets from the 17th century. This Italian Louis XIV coin cabinet features an extraordinary architectural form, with sixteen drawers at the front, arranged in two vertical rows of four drawers each, centered by an edicule with a carved naked male figure standing in a niche of the central body, between two Doric columns. The base of the edicule conceals an imitation of a drawer, and the broken tympanum of the pediment hides another drawer.

Side edges are decorated with armorers, warriors, and carved figures. The coin cabinet rests on an protruding frame and two bracket feet, with the upper part having a frame with carved dentil decoration. The central doors reveal six drawers in two vertical rows, hiding many secrets.

The coin cabinet is full of secrets: one is hidden behind the drawer of the central base; in the lock of six drawers behind the doors, there is another compartment behind the row of two lower drawers. Removing the lock reveals a compartment in the right rear corner with three drawers hidden behind a vertical poplar slat.

It contains twenty-one drawers: ten at the front, six in the central tabernacle doors, and five additional drawers divided into three secret compartments.

Luxurious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage products that have a distinct character and soul. It is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its own distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, during the reign of the Biedermeier style. Its variants in the early years of this century include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo styles of classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly representative pieces designed to shine with splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the past era. An important style is Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, cornices, strong bases, and bas-reliefs. These were quite distinctive products but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of sideboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. They also drew inspiration from mythology and antiquity, with supports and legs taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French craftsmen. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that each country perceived furniture production differently, so each style had its own character in a given nation. This is especially important when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.