A SWEDISH MINIATURE BUREAU BOOKCASE EARLY 18TH CENTURY Veneered in Alder root 99.5cm high, 46cm wide, 34cm deep In the early 18th century, Swedish cabinet makers in the region around Mälardalen started veneering furniture in Alder root (as seen on this miniature bookcase). Influenced by English tastes of the period, the use of this timber was an attempt to mimic figured walnut popular in London at the time but scarce in Sweden.