Half-moon chest of drawers in lacquered wood, Piedmont, 18th century Dimensions: cm W 113 x D 51 x H 88.5 Price: private negotiation Item accompanied by a certificate of authenticity This refined neoclassical half-moon chest of drawers was made in Turin, towards the end of the 18th century. Entirely lacquered, it is decorated with reliefs and applications made with pastiglia. Pastiglia refers to a technique used for bas-relief decoration of furniture. Pastiglia is made with fine stucco mixed with glues that was applied to furniture to decorate it. The top is in gray Bardiglio marble, characteristic of the Piedmont area, which gives greater warmth and aesthetic softness to the chest of drawers as well as durability to the top itself. The chest of drawers is decorated with reliefs in the shape of spirals and phytomorphic elements characteristic of neoclassicism. In the undertop band there are fluted and pastiglia elements that create a geometric frame motif. The piece of furniture consists of three parts, two side doors and front drawers. Between the sections there are slightly projecting pilasters, with neoclassical ornaments, and each element is surrounded by a frame in pink and ivory lacquer. The background, on the other hand, has a characteristic blue-green color, which is often found in Turin furniture decorated with pastiglia. Among these, one can think of some artifacts preserved at the Masino Castle (in the province of Turin), a sumptuous residence of one of the most illustrious Piedmontese families, that of the Valperga. The side doors, which open outwards, conceal a compartment divided by a shelf inside. On the front, the piece of furniture has a small drawer in the undertop band and two larger lower drawers. The keyholes, circular in shape, are made of gilded metal. The four legs, composed of circular and inverted truncated cone elements, are fluted and lacquered. It is an elegant piece of furniture and thanks to its small size, it is easily adaptable in any environment, antique and modern, whether in a living room or study or in entrances or bedrooms.