Pair of 18th-Century Venetian Painted Parrot Pedestal Cabinets

Pair of Venetian Polychrome Pedestal-Cabinets with Parrots, late 18th Century
A rare matched pair of cylindrical pedestal cabinets, hand-crafted from pine and poplar and entirely polychrome-painted in the lacche povere manner prized in 18th-century Venice. Each column stands on a stepped square plinth, its hinged frontal door painted with exuberant macaws—a scarlet-green-blue ara on one pedestal and a blue-and-gold ara on the other—perched amid feathery bamboo fronds. The faux-marble capitals and bases are washed in charcoal and ochre glazes that complement the mellow cream ground. Opening with original wrought-iron escutcheons, the doors reveal two shelved compartments, making the pieces as practical as they are decorative—perfect for concealing barware, silver, or curios while presenting plants, sculpture, or lamps above. Surfaces show the gentle craquelure, scuffs, and small touch-ups consistent with more than two centuries of Venetian life, preserving an irresistible patina. Italian, Venice, c. 1780s. Measurement across the top is 12" width: 15.75" depth: 15.75" height: 44.25