Nightstand - Walnut - Antique Fratino Nightstand





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Antique walnut mass timber nightstand in Renaissance style, Italy (Tuscany), dating to 1860–1880, with dimensions 70 × 62 × 46 cm and weight 13.8 kg, in good used condition with minor age marks.
Description from the seller
Antique Fratino-style nightstand in solid walnut – Renaissance style – Italy, 19th century
Rare example of a tall nightstand made of blonde walnut wood, typical of Italian artisanal craftsmanship of the 19th century. Unlike the classic closed- cabinet nightstands, this piece adopts a “open” Renaissance-derived structure, which makes it visually light yet extremely elegant.
Analysis of the Compartment and Design:
Top-hinged Opening: The most interesting feature is the front. What appears to be a drawer is actually a spring-loaded door (visible in photos DSC_0110 and DSC_0111). Once opened, it reveals a spacious internal compartment, perfect for storing personal items.
Cartouche Ornament: The front is adorned with a raised cartouche-shaped plaque with beveled corners (cartouche silhouette), framing an elegant turned wooden knob.
Support Architecture: The upper body rests on four legs with complex turnings, characterized by a sequence of beads and bulbs (balaustrade). The base is reinforced by a solid perimeter cradle that rests on plinth feet.
Condition:
The piece exudes authenticity. The walnut patina is warm and natural.
Interior: The bottom of the compartment is lined with period floral wallpaper, a touch of domestic care from other times.
Signs of Time: There are small woodworm holes (treated and no longer active) and some flaws or wear marks on the base and legs (visible in detail photos DSC_0107 and DSC_0115), which do not affect stability but certify its age and originality.
Seller's Story
Antique Fratino-style nightstand in solid walnut – Renaissance style – Italy, 19th century
Rare example of a tall nightstand made of blonde walnut wood, typical of Italian artisanal craftsmanship of the 19th century. Unlike the classic closed- cabinet nightstands, this piece adopts a “open” Renaissance-derived structure, which makes it visually light yet extremely elegant.
Analysis of the Compartment and Design:
Top-hinged Opening: The most interesting feature is the front. What appears to be a drawer is actually a spring-loaded door (visible in photos DSC_0110 and DSC_0111). Once opened, it reveals a spacious internal compartment, perfect for storing personal items.
Cartouche Ornament: The front is adorned with a raised cartouche-shaped plaque with beveled corners (cartouche silhouette), framing an elegant turned wooden knob.
Support Architecture: The upper body rests on four legs with complex turnings, characterized by a sequence of beads and bulbs (balaustrade). The base is reinforced by a solid perimeter cradle that rests on plinth feet.
Condition:
The piece exudes authenticity. The walnut patina is warm and natural.
Interior: The bottom of the compartment is lined with period floral wallpaper, a touch of domestic care from other times.
Signs of Time: There are small woodworm holes (treated and no longer active) and some flaws or wear marks on the base and legs (visible in detail photos DSC_0107 and DSC_0115), which do not affect stability but certify its age and originality.

