Giuseppe Maggiolini, Chinoiserie Dresser, wood, gilded bronze, marble top, circa 1773 (inv. n. Mobili 346)

The dresser with its wavy and ornate forms typical of the Rococo is adorned with bronze ornaments representing theatrical masks and Chinese figurines and accentuating the drawers, front corners and legs. The bright, oriental style scenes of the central medallions are taken from the drawings of the young Andrea Appiani, author of works used by Maggiolini and his workshop to decorate their furniture. With a discerning use of local and oriental woods, the cabinet-maker created a piece of furniture of rare lustre. The much admired piece was donated to the collections in 1895.