An important early antique Italian Renaissance table box, handcrafted in Northern Italy in the 17th/18th century, cassone chest form, richly inlaid, the top and front panel with fruitwood banding framing marquetry cartouches, depicting figure on horseback, likely Saint James Matamoros. Lift-top lid on snipe hinges, open interior, over an intricately carved scalloped scroll flourish skirt, rising on large front animal paw feet, and rear block feet. circa 1700 Retaining an old hand-written label affixed to the underside reading: "This early Venetian chest was purchased in Venice, Italy summer of 1928 by Paul R. MacAlister while designing for the Cappellini Glass Works, Murano. A similar chest but of much greater size in Chicago Art Institute" Dimensions: (approx) 6" High, 13" Wide, 7.5" Deep, 2.5lbs As warm and rustic as it is useful, this rare, most likely one-of-a-kind work is artistic, interesting, and conversational, making for a wonderful functional decorative object or gift idea. Condition: Superb presentation. Museum quality. Beautifully aged, rich, luminous patina over the whole. Lacking interior lock hardware. Age appropriate wear adds desirable antique character, and Mediterranean old world charm.