Behold the magnificence of this Italian Sgabello Backstool, typical of the Italian Renaissance period. Usually placed in corridors of palaces and hallways, the primary function of these were decorative. This 18th century stool made from walnut has a profusely carved back teeming with foliage. Two fantastic hound like faces facing back to back are at the bottom of the backrest whilst a grotesque masque with a gaping mouth marks its centre. The front and back legs are two boards with carved scrolls joined together with a stretcher.