Box - Walnut, Maple, Boxwood - Inlaid lectern box

Rare table stand with a book box function, finely inlaid, probably attributed to Sorrento workshops from the late 18th to early 19th century.
It is nonetheless an object of extraordinary charm, reflecting the refined craftsmanship of Southern Italy: a perfect fusion of functionality, aesthetics, and technical mastery.

Description
The lectern features two foldable wings decorated with a refined floral pattern inlaid with maple and ebony, a traditional technique of early Sorrento marquetry.
The solid walnut wood case, handcrafted, houses an internal compartment originally intended for prayer books, liturgical texts, or small personal objects. The upper lid, whether open or closed, transforms into an elegant inclined reading surface, making the piece a true lectern-box with a sacred touch (famous for its cases with covers: Bible, etc.).
The balance between the warm tone of the walnut and the light contrasts of the inlays recalls the Sorrentine workshops active under Bourbon influence: skilled artisans creating 'for the bedroom' objects intended for wealthy families and European collectors of the Grand Tour.
Based on research, it is not unlikely to encounter:

Tarsia, Southern Italy
Estimated dating: second half of the 18th century – early decades of the 19th century
Technique: traditional inlay in multicolored woods
Function: tabletop stand / sacred book holder
Structurally and stylistically, the piece displays all the characteristics of the early productions of Sorrento decorative inlay work: geometric borders, stylized floral motifs, chromatic harmony, and an entirely handmade construction.

Rarity and collectible interest.
Objects with dual functions (box + lectern) are extremely rare. It is a valuable artifact for:
Inlay work collectors
Enthusiasts of sacred art and liturgical objects
Study of late 18th-century 'camera' design.
A refined addition to studies, libraries, and cabinets of curiosities
A piece able to tell the story of refined and decorative craftsmanship.

Condition
In excellent condition, with a normal patina consistent with age. Intact inlays, perfect wing mechanism. Notably, only the box closure mechanism, which has skillfully lost the locking tab. A detail that does not affect its beauty or functionality.

Note: the photos are an integral part of the description, and the books are not included.