This rare, rectangular Italian cassone or trunk from the late 1600s is of solid carved walnut with intarsia-inlaid, string banding, having hand-forged iron fittings. The trunk rests upon two carved s-scroll feet and two back block feet. Original iron key with the cross on the bit signifies it was made for a religious piece. Church keys were usually heavy iron keys with a cross on the bit or bow and were considered particularly powerful, so powerful, they were thought to be able to calm unruly children or cure whooping cough. The back opening was added at a later date. A beautiful Tuscan trunk with a wonderful patina that can be used to store many things.
Dimensions:  
h - 27"
w - 43"
d - 21"