Attributed to Ferdinando Pogliani - Bureau cabinet - Wood, Bone

19th-century Italian secretary desk, ebony, veneered in ebony and ebanized wood, with gilt-metal applications. Upper body with two glazed side compartments, hinged doors, interior shelves and a perforated metal gallery on the top. In the center, it features an elevated central body with a succession of small drawers, decorated with inlays in bone representing botanical scrolls, arabesques, birds, fantastical winged animals and neorenaissance motifs. The lower part has a fold-down writing surface, the interior field lined with red fabric/leather, externally decorated with a central bone inlay representing fantastical beasts facing among botanical motifs. Structure rests on tall, elegant legs, tapering in section, with linear decoration and metal fittings. An Italian neorenaissance/revival piece, close to Milanese production of the second half of the 19th century, in line with ebonized and bone-inlaid furniture associated with Ferdinando Pogliani’s circle, although without a mark or documentation. Condition: shows small defects, veneer lifts, scratches, wear on the ebonizing, signs of use on the drawers and writing surface, oxidation/wear on the metal applications. Dimensions: 123 x 73 x 41 cm.