From the estate of big band leader and actor Rudy Valee comes this antique Italian carved and bone marquetry inlaid renaissance revival hall bench with gryphon armrests and filled with hunt scenes. The bench’s upright back with a central carved panel and on either side marquetry inlays featuring male and female riders on horseback. The seat features further hunting scenes with various individuals, animals and dogs. The front portion another very large scene, all crafted of inlaid pieces of bone and various woods to create a wonderful pictorial scene, flanked by caryatid figures on either end of the bench. The armrests are carved gryphons and the front feet are wonderfully shaped lion’s paws. This type of marquetry inlay is typical of the Milan area of Italy and dates to mid to late 19th Century. There is also a small brass nameplate with the name Rudy Valee as this came from his estate. The seat lifts for additional storage.

The approximate dimensions are 60” long, 48” tall and 22 1/2” deep. The seat has a large horizontal crack but is stable, which has resulted in loss of some of the inlay. The front lower portion seems to be bowed lightly, but the majority of the inlay is present in this area and on the back of the bench. The piece is extremely heavy, and is a high quality unusual Italian piece of artwork and form. There are numerous small scuffs, scratches, cracks, and loss of some of the inlay pieces as noted and as can be seen from the photos. This would surely be the most unique and unusual piece in any collection. This item includes FREE shipping in the Continental US only, and cannot be shipped to other areas due to size and weight. It will ship through a moving company to the buyer, which may take longer than normal to ship. Please inquire with any questions and for any additional photos.