A beautiful and unusual Venetian grotto music stool. Made from ebonised beech wood, with a carved scallop shell seat standing on 4 cabriole legs with an "X" frame stretchers. The maker's label "Edwards & Roberts" Wardour Street, London is on the underside of the seat. 1880s. Venetian grotto furniture was originally created for the artificial grottos of royal palace gardens. Traditionally carved in solid wood and either painted or gilded they were also known as fantasy furniture. This lovely grotto stool remains in original condition, does show signs of use, but would look lovely as a library chair or as a shop display piece. This piece has an attribution mark, I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising from misattribution