Mid 17th Century Baroque Period Italian Inlaid Ebony Table Top Cabinet

This is a wonderful and rare table cabinet from Italy, dating from the middle of the 17th Century. Being made from Walnut, Ebony, and bone. The architectural centre comprises a central tall drawer with an engraved panel depicting a falconer on horseback with a hound at foot. Flanking either side is two pairs of inlaid columns, which pull out as pairs to reveal 3 secret drawers on either side. Above this is a drawer with turned balustrade and finials. Below is a drawer that echoes the shape of the columns above it. On either side of this central arrangement are 4 drawers each with two panels inlaid with birds. Each drawer has different birds of every description ranging from Ostriches, Storks, Owls, Doves, Peacocks, Parrots, Eagles even a Dodo etc to some mythological birds. Humorous and delightful in their appearance. The outer case is of a Walnut veneer with bone line inlay. Standing on ebony-turned feet with a bone line. The locks are all original, made of Iron within a wooden case and the whole is lined in turquoise coloured paper. An expensive cabinet when first made around 1650 and for it's age in exceptional condition.