A pewter inlaid amaranth, rosewood, ebonised and contre-partie boulle bureau brisé, probably Flemish, late 17th century

with a rectangular folding hinged top inset with a leather writing surface, opening to reveal three short drawers and a fall-front inlaid with panels of rinceaux in fruitwood and amaranth, the kneehole with two drawers flanked by two drawers, on later gadrooned parcel-gilt baluster and square tapering legs, joined by a shaped stretcher, on later gadrooned toupie feet, the whole inlaid with scrolling rinceaux; restorations. 80cm. high, 108cm. wide, 61.5cm. deep; 2ft.7in., 3ft.6in., 2ft. Estimate 8,000—12,000 GBP

PROVENANCE: The Trustee's of Major-General E.H. Goulbourn's Settlement Christie's, London, 4th December 1980, lot 91
Christie's, London, 24th November 1988, lot 84
Christie's, Monaco, 2nd July 1993, Lot 215A.

NOTE: The style of the marquetry on this piece is more controlled and less fluid than French marquetry of the same period and leads to the conclusion that this piece is probably of Flemish rather than French origin.

Sotheby's. Important Continental Furniture, Ceramics and Clocks. 02 Dec 08. London - www.sotheby's.com