THE Government has slapped a temporary export ban on a pair of rare antique cabinets in a bid to save them for the nation.

The 17th-century Italian cabinets, formerly part of the collection at Castle Howard, near Malton, are at risk of leaving the UK unless a buyer can be found – at an asking price of £1,265,000.

Experts say that they are among the most important cabinets from Rome left in Britain and date back to around 1625.

They were brought to Britain by one of the leading collectors of the day, the 4th Earl of Carlisle for Castle Howard.

They were among a number of treasures from the stately home that went under the hammer at Sotheby’s last summer to raise cash for the house’s upkeep.

But Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has now placed a temporary export bar on the ebony cabinets in an effort to keep them in this country.

Showpiece cabinets were the most prestigious display furniture in 17th-century Europe and were lavishly decorated to reflect the taste and status of their owners.

The Castle Howard cabinets, made in Rome, are thought to have been commissioned by the noble Borghese family, one of the wealthiest families of their day.

They represent the best quality furniture making of the period and each is ornately inlaid with decorative stones and mounted in bronze. Each cabinet sits on a matching stand made in England around 1800, made from mahogany, with gilded supports and ornaments.

Mr Vaizey said: “These ornate cabinets are among the finest examples of 17th century furniture left in the country and give us unique insight into how lavishly some of the wealthiest families furnished their homes at that time.”

The cabinets are currently in storage with Sotheby’s and the decision to defer an export licence follows a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.

Committee member Christopher Rowell said: “These two magnificent ebony cabinets, veneered with hardstones and mounted in gilt bronze, on neo-Classical Kent Revival stands made for the picture gallery at Castle Howard, represent the high watermark of the British taste for Italian princely furniture.”

He added: “Every effort should be made to prevent their export.”

The ban will last until March 19 but could be deferred until July 19 if serious intent is shown to raise the required £1,265,000 - plus VAT of £43,000 on the buyer’s premium.