An ornate 17th-century cabinet sold for more than £4.5 million when it went under the hammer, Christie's said.

According to the auctioneer, it was the fourth most expensive piece of traditional furniture ever sold at auction.

The name of the buyer who snapped up the cabinet yesterday has not been revealed.

Combining Florentine plaques with opulent gilt bronze mounts, elaborate decorations and carvings, the Louis XIV cabinet was a royal gift.

Experts believe it was given to Queen Hedvig Eleonora of Sweden, or commissioned by her, and is one of only a few surviving cabinets made at the Royal Gobelins workshops in Paris.

Dating from around 1665-1675, it was the creation of highly-skilled Italian, French and Flemish artists and craftsmen who were drawn together at the Gobelins.

Marcus Radecke, director and head of sale, said: "We are thrilled with the result achieved by the magnificent Cucci Cabinet from the March Family Collection, which realised £4,521,250, selling to an anonymous buyer on the telephone.

"A once in a lifetime opportunity, this rare survival from the Gobelins workshops attracted international interest and drew collectors, institutions and dealers from around the world to Christie's London."

Robert Copley, Christie's international head of furniture and decorative arts, added: "On behalf of the team, I am particularly proud that the exceptional Cucci Cabinet is now one of the most expensive pieces of furniture ever to be sold at auction - eight of the top ten have been sold at Christie's."