Restoration of an antique writing cabinet (canterano) in solid wood, a piece with strong character and presence. This traditional form features a slanted drop-front that conceals the writing compartment, combined with several drawers for storage and organisation. It stands out for its decorative line inlays and the warm, expressive grain, giving it a truly timeless appeal.
Based on its type and construction, the piece can be dated with good confidence to the late 18th century and the early 19th century (a transition towards Neoclassicism / early Empire), supported by details such as hand-cut dovetails and clearly artisan-made interior elements.
The restoration has been carried out with care to preserve the original spirit of the cabinet—recovering its structure and functionality while respecting its patina, original hardware, and the small marks of time that tell its story. The result is a sturdy, practical and elegant canterano, ready to live again in a contemporary interior without losing the soul of the piece.
Restoration process
