Vitrines were glass showcases or cabinets for displaying collections or precious possessions.  They were common from the 17th through the 19th centuries and ranged in style from the simple to the ornate.

 

Satinwood, also known as yellow wood, was a very expensive tropical hardwood with a glossy finish. It was used in fine furniture,  cabinetwork and decorative veneers. During the late 18th and  the 19th centuries, satinwood was in vogue.  Its light tones provided a perfect canvas for veneers or painting.  Native to India, Sri Lanka and parts of the Caribbean, it is still available today as a luxury wood item.