A large and important Austro-Hungarian free standing ivory table cabinet or casket in the Baroque style typical of its origin and period. Dating from circa 1880 this extremely rare piece is constructed from ivory, silver gilt and thirty six individually hand painted enamel on copper plaques depicting classical figures in arcadian landscapes all in silver gilt frames Set upon four ivory bracket feet the base of the table cabinet is surrounded by twelve plaques ( four large and eight small) of classical scenes in romantic settings. The central part of the cabinet, of break front form has thirteen large enamel plaques set in gilt frames ( four to the front and three each to the sides and back). Each of these plaques illustrates a figure from classical literature, for example Narcissus, Ceres and Vanity can be seen standing among clouds and surrounded by putti. To each corner of the cabinet above this centre section are four superb silver gilt seated putti, very well cast and chased. Each putti is sitting cross legged and writing with concentration upon a tablet. Below each of these putti is an enamel column in Royal blue with gilt flowers spiralling upwards from the silver gilt base to the elaborate capital. The pediment has eight individually shaped enamel plaques in gilt frames, beautifully painted and illustrating scenes of the Gods among the clouds. Posiedon can be seen and Venus with hand maidens. Surmounting the cabinet is a fine, beautifully chased and finished silver gilt model of cupid standing upon a naturalistic base and about to shoot an arrow. To the front of the cabinet two hinged doors open to reveal three drawers decorated with enamel panels illustrating classical landscapes. The doors have their original lock and key and functions perfectly. Two large vertical drawers to the side of these open to the full depth of the cabinet while there is another full length drawer to the base. The table cabinet is further decorated throughout with silver gilt rosettes, drawer pulls and applied mounts of cupids and griffins. This extraordinary table cabinet or casket is in excellent original condition. Each enamel plaque has clearly been individually commissioned and made for this specific casket as the shape of the plaques and the subjects could work for nothing else. Every plaque is in perfect condition and has suffered no repair or restoration. These caskets were extremely expensive to make and were often commissioned as Imperial gifts. Viennese circa 1880. 18inches high by 15.5 inches wide by 11 inches deep (45 cms by 39cms by 27 cms).