Italian
Certosina Cabinet, n.d.
On view
Walnut with ivory or bone inlay
Dimensions62 1/2 × 37 1/2 × 15 1/4 in. (158.8 × 95.3 × 38.7 cm)
Gift of Viola E. Bray, 2005.145
The dazzling geometric patterns that cover almost every inch of this cabinet are created by a technique known as certosina. Named after the Certosa church in Pavia, Italy, which has an elaborate altarpiece made with this technique, certosina work involves inlaying small pieces of light-colored material – such as ivory or bone – in a dark ground made of wood. Popular during the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries in Italy, certosina decoration is thought to have been influenced by Islamic art.
The top half of this cabinet opens to reveal ten drawers and two small inner doors, all with certosina decoration. The top horizontal panel above the four drawers conceals two secret compartments as well. With its upper panel pulled down, this cabinet could be used as a writing desk.
