Category: Furniture

This type of table is called a gate-lag table due to the similarity of the table legs to gates. The table consists of a fixed top and two movable leaves that are lifted to form the table surface. The folding leaf is supported by hinged legs connected at the top and bottom by crossbars that resemble gates. In England, this type of furniture has been known since the 16^th century. When folded, the table is very narrow. It stands on paired lathe-turned legs merging into a single leg that is interconnected by a lathe-turned rod. It also features two additional lathe-turned legs with wheels that extend to support the unfolded table surfaces.

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The wooden bench with storage and handles on the sides has a high, intricately carved backrest. The bench is made of fir wood planks and is painted brown. The bench seat functions as a lid for the storage compartment where various food items such as flour, sugar, lentils, and similar goods were kept. This wooden bench was likely crafted by a local carpenter.

Such furniture pieces with storage compartments could be found in nearly every household in Cavtat, with differences in execution between wealthier and poorer households. This type of furniture was most commonly placed in the kitchen alongside the kitchen table.

The credenza is made of carved stained oak. It is composed of two parts with elaborately carved Renaissance motifs in wood such as the seashell, vines, acanthus leaves, volutes, garlands, and columns. The lower part has double doors and two drawers. The door panels feature relief-carved motifs, and in the central area, there are rectangles with diamond cuts framed by stylised acanthus leaves and other decorative elements. The upper part, with glazed double doors, is supported by two lathe-turned profiled columns. The doors are glazed with Butzen glass, multicoloured glass tiles connected with lead. The central oval field features an image of a rearing lion. The decoration in the upper part of the credenza is formed as a prominent profiled cornice. On the inside, the lower part of the lathe-turned column bears the inscription P. MANASSA, likely the name of the craftsman who made the credenza.

On the inner metal part of the locking mechanism, there is an engraved seal with the inscription V. F. PARIS and an image of two crossed keys. This refers to the eminent locksmithing firm founded in 1864 in Troyes, which has been named Vechette Fréres since 1865. They were leading lock manufacturers in France, and their seal can be found on some of the most significant furniture pieces created in the late 19^th century.

This type of credenza is named Mechelen after the Belgian city where the production centre of this high-quality furniture was located.

Six chairs with carved backs, woven rattan seats, and lathe-turned elements in the Altdeutsch style. The lathe-turned chair legs are connected at the bottom with an “H” crossbar, and the front legs are joined with another lathe-turned crossbar.

There is an interesting cardboard template in the Bukovac House collection, likely crafted by someone from the Bukovac family, possibly a daughter, representing the motif found carved on the chair backs. It features a floral design with a flower in the central ellipse and tendrils around it.

An identical motif from the backs of wooden chairs was drawn in pencil drawing and cut from cardboard with a visible mark of the Croatian biscuit factory Bizjak. The company began production in 1923 (KB-419).

The carved dressing table stands on four legs that have a connector at the bottom with carved surfaces featuring four fields depicting floral and zoomorphic designs. The upper surface of the table is also decorated with engraved floral motifs and is movable, meaning it can be lifted. A mirror is attached on the inside, and it closes a compartmentalised drawer space.

Although it does not have any visible sign of the manufacturer, it is a French production, most likely made by Gabriel Viardot (1830 - 1906). The dressing table was crafted in the Japanais/Japonisme style, inspired by Japanese art. Viardot was a renowned Parisian cabinetmaker who perfected the creation of this type of furniture adorned with Chinese and Japanese decorations.

Similar furniture is visible in the background of the photograph from 1886 (KB-1068), where Vlaho Bukovac is sitting and painting in his Paris studio, confirming the origin of the dressing table.

A lounger, also known as a Chaise longue, has a slightly rounded elevated headrest and is long enough to support the legs. It stands on four curved cabriole-style legs. It has a wooden structure made of walnut wood decorated with carving, with a spruce substructure.

The appearance of this type of lounger dates back to the 16^th century. They were designed for the daytime rest of the affluent class so they wouldn’t have to retire to their bedrooms, soon becoming a status symbol in wealthier homes. Apart from being household furniture, they were a popular support for models posing as nudes in painting studios.

The so-called Pembroke table, has two drop leaves that can be raised to extend the table surface. It features two drawers on one side and a storage compartment with doors that open by pulling them downward on the other. Inside this compartment, the space is lined with metal, suggesting it may have been used for storing liquid containers. It stands on four elegant lathe-turned legs.

This type of table is named after the English nobleman Henry Herbert, the Earl of Pembroke, who is credited with the design of the table. Pembroke tables were popular during the 18^th century and throughout the 19^th century due to their functionality and compact dimensions.

The narrow nightstand contains five drawers, two of which are false and serve as concealed doors that open downward, revealing a section lined with marble panels. This segment was likely used for storing liquid containers. Literature suggests it was used for storing personal hygiene items such as shaving sets. It is made of solid wood, carved walnut, and veneer. The upper surface consists of a reddish-white marble slab. It stands on four profiled legs with casters.

This nightstand, crafted in the Neo-Rococo style (Louis XV), is part of a bedroom furniture set, which also includes a bed and a wardrobe with similar stylistic characteristics.