Russia, probably Karelia or St. Petersburg, circa 1800-1810, Empire period. Rare chest of drawers in practically intact condition

Russia, probably Karelia or St. Petersburg, circa 1800-1810, Empire period. Rare chest of drawers in practically intact condition, in the precious Karelian birch wood. Supports with masterfully sculpted and ebonized lion paw motif. Ebonized columns and refined pen decorations with acanthus leaf motifs. The piece of furniture, in addition to being intact, has an extraordinary original golden patina, with a shellac finish applied with a museum standard technique. Dimensions: cm 96 high, 123 wide and 65 deep. Curiosity: the piece of furniture retains a small secret and original jewelry drawer, hidden by the master cabinetmaker in the structure of the furniture in a truly untraceable spot. The beauty of this piece of furniture cannot be illustrated with a photograph. In particular, the 3D effects that the grain produces by varying the viewing angle, as well as the patina with a warm, unique amber-like color. Karelian birch is a tree that produces an amazing wood that sometimes looks like marble. It is very different from normal birch and grows much more slowly than the latter. It is not a tall tree, usually 5-7 meters high, sometimes it looks like a bush. The trunk is not smooth, but has knots and swellings. The wood has a unique appearance. Today it is very rare and almost extinct. The planting of Karelian birches in "Kivach" is now a nature reserve to preserve the species. Fabergé's egg made for the Russian royal family in Karelian birch, now kept at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, is famous. In accordance with the provisions of the New Code of Cultural Heritage, the selling company provides, at the time of sale, a detailed written photographic guarantee of the originality and provenance of the works sold. The data with which the works are described and then contained in the written guarantees are expressed determinations resulting from accurate and documented technical/historical/artistic investigations, including expert appraisals.