A RARE 16TH / 17TH CENTURY ITALIAN EBONISED, PARCEL GILT, AGATE, MARBLE AND MOTHER OF PEARL INLAID TABLE CABINET of architectural form, the caddy top opening to reveal the compartment within, the inside of the lid fitted with a mirror and with red silk lining, the front of the cabinet with oval panels centred by an arch, with three drawers below with gilt lion mask ring handles, framed by plain columns, with gilt foliate scrolling decoration, the oval panels set with various types of marble and with agate flanked by gilt decorated mother of pearl panels,  33cm high x 38cm wide A similar table cabinet dating to the second half of the 16th century is now in The Quirinal Palace in Rome. The type of gilt scrolling decoration which is employed in the present table cabinet was developed in Florence during the 16th century and was favoured by the Medici and popular at their court. The technique was known as 'all 'indiana' as it re-interpreted the stylistic influences of the Indian and Islamic works that were arriving in Italy at the time. Although much of the furniture and works of art decorated in this style are now lost, the inventory of the Royal Palace in Florence of 1637 lists several pieces in the 'all' indiana' technique, and invoices exist dating back to 1586 which also refer to the term.  For a similar table cabinet at auction see Sotheby's, London, 28 October, 2004, lot 313.