FURNITURE & ANTIQUES

Among the various furniture in the Mansion (armchairs ,daybeds, banquets) we can singularize.

mobiloAmong the various furniture items in the Mansion (armchairs, daybeds, banquets) the following can be singled out.
A filigree Venetian rococo commode from the middle 18th century  made of walnut, with  white wooden marketery and classical  figures of a Chinese style. The front  is characteristically curved (serpentinata)  and the sides decorated with floral motifs. The specific example  surely comes from one of the finest Venetian workshops. In continuation the same method  was adopted on the 18th century by the Zakynthian craftsmen with outstanding results. Such woodwork is still being performed by some technicians, whereas instead of walnut they use wood coming from olive trees and pine in a more simple and traditional norm. The veining of the wood coming from olive trees successfully replaced the equivalent of the walnut creating intense forms. In Zakynthos. the Venetian art of making silver and gold  gift frames (marangoni di soaze) also flourished, whereas the delicate art of Japanezi, who were painting the furniture usually with far Eastern motifs, was ignored.

 

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A beautiful neoclassical bureau  possibly from Florence, dated at the beginnings of the 19th century  made from mahogany and finished with black lack, with characteristic traditional twisted legs and with gold handles. The many drawers and stashes with the two front phyla open and decorated with repeated architectural motifs, the front representing ancient  temples with  gold Corinthian capitals  and Egyptian goddesses, shows the exquisite skill and artistic predilection of the creator. It is said  that this piece was a present of the first Governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias to his fried Dionisio Roma (1771-1857).

 

 

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The word ‘lentica’  originates from the Italian word ‘lando’ (a sort of coach). The need of transportation for the Nobles and especially for  the ladies in the narrow streets of Venice created this delicate palanquin ,which was made of wood and leather in order to be light, and inside it was covered with silk fabric. The Lentica became an inextricable transportation implement in every Noble family in the Ionian Islands. On both sides it has wooden handles so that the bearers could hold and carry . The use of the Lentica is going back to ancient Roman period, The present one is from the 18th century and  of the very few still existing. Another lentica is exhibited in the Benaki Museum in Athens.

 

 

mobiloThis painted wooden tray that dated back to the end of 18th century is demonstrating the light atmosphere of the aristocratic dwellers and visitors of Venice, during this period. The habits developed during the Carnival had extended for the rest of the year and the city, now weak as a ruler power but with the radiance of glory of the past, had become synonymous to jollification and the eroticism in Europe. The safety and anonymity, the mask, the hat and the domino (a long black dress) were offering shelter and allowing the creation of companionships among ladies and men who were disporting in the various Governmental feasts in the Palaces. These cosmopolitan groups who were wandering aimlessly, like the big bourgeoisie, in the - Hidden bewitchment of bourgeoisie – by Bourniel, were portrayed from experts like the son of Tepolo, Glandomenico or Piedro Longhi as well as from primitive artists like the creator of our example.