An Important 18th Century Italian Walnut Desk. This handsome, large scale walnut kneehole desk is an important example of its kind. The decoration consists of bookmatched walnut veneers to the top with a wide crossbanded border and panelled doors, also used inside the three sides of the kneehole section, a sign of excellent quality. The door on the back conceals a central cupboard section and there are further cupboards which can be accessed through doors on the sides. Clearly this was a desk that was designed to be placed in the middle of a room, possibly for use in a library. Behind the doors on the front are a series of drawers, also with panelled fronts. There are also concealed slim drawers in parts of the frieze and a pull out writing slide above the central kneehole. This is a desk of great quality and workmanship that needs to be seen in person to be properly appreciated. Highly unusual and sophisticated for its date, this is an exceptional example.