This is really the kind of piece to make you salivate – it has a natural elegance to it, incredibly detailed without bragging about it.  The inlay is masterful, but what I really like is the wood selection and how they’ve centered the interesting part of the grain (is that…burl walnut?) smack in the middle of the front curves.  The feet are also lovely; a bit staunch, but they fit the overall scale quite nicely.  So refined and so understated, this is exactly the kind of item I’d like to pick up one of these days.  Leave it to the Italians…

Available until April, 1st as Lot 101 in the Fine European Furniture including Tapestries, Silver, Ceramics and Carpets Auction at Sotheby’s New York Offices.

With spring just around the corner, I’m feeling the desire to paint my apartment bright colors and pack it with airy, happy furniture like this Swedish banquette in the Gustavian style.  Again, this piece has been reupholstered, but I think it has a great look to it, bold without being loud.  The Gustavian style is uniquely Swedish, and originates from the period of Gustav III, who served as king in the late 18th Century.  Most people would say the style is rooted in the Neo-Classical movement, but it also has a kind of minimalist French Rococo feel to it, which isn’t surprising given the king spent a fair amount of time at Versailles before assuming the throne.   This particular piece is circa 1880, so very much toward the tail end of the movement, but aside from IKEA, it’s really the look most furniture-philes associate with the country.  Available at David Duncan Antiques in New York.

I really like the form of this vintage 50s Italian settee – it’s not the original upholstery, but I think the new look suits it quite well.  It’s attributed to Paolo Buffa, a mid-century Italian designer I assume but cannot find any information about, but the print is by the venerable Jane Churchill.  I think it probably appeals more so right now than other because it’s been such a cold, snowy February and everyone in New York is in the mood for spring.  What better way to celebrate Easter than popping some chocolate robin eggs on your vintage settee.

Available through Beyond Gorgeosity Antiques and Interior Design. I know, simply dreadful name.  Gorgeosity?  Ugh.

After the last two days, some of you may be tiring of 18th Century British Furniture, so this is the last one on that subject for awhile, I promise!  This was just one more item I couldn’t pass up covering.  The wood patina on this is rather entrancing I think – the coloration is very interesting and it seems like it has been well used over the years, but not abused.  It almost appears as though there’s some kind of subtle inlay happening around the drawer edges, and then your eye is drawn down by those beautifully carved cabriole legs.  It must be quite something to see in person.  I imagine this is the sort of item that you could stare at for hours.  Available until March 25th as Lot 18 in the Three Woods: A Passion for Walnut, Oak & Yew The John Parry Collection at Christie’s King Street Office in London.

What a find – this George II period Walnut Stool is a tour de force of the style.  The floral embroidery and masterful carving show an attention to detail across every square centimeter on this piece that is rare to see even in antiques.  It breaks my heart reading the auction notes to know that there was a matching armchair (gasp!) that went along with the stool at one point and now they’re separated.  Like two soul mates ripped apart by a foolish collector. Available until March 25th as Lot 17 in the Three Woods: A Passion for Walnut, Oak & Yew The John Parry Collection at Christie’s King Street Office in London.