A rare, mid-17th century, carved, oak chest with exceptional carved decoration

The triple panelled top with original hinges, opening to reveal an interior with the candle- box and lock removed. The frieze, stiles and bottom rail finely carved with stylised circles. The front with three inset panels each divided three sections and containing carved stylised floral and circle decoration. The panelled sides carved with repeat decoration. Excellent original colour and patina. English, second quarter of the 17th century.
61081123


Width : 128.00 cm./50.75 in., Height : 64.00 cm./25.00 in.
Depth : 51.50 cm./20.25 in.



The carving on this Carolean chest is very crisp. The colour and patina have matured to an excellent quality over time.

The chest was the principal piece of medieval domestic furniture and served as a table, seat and travelling trunk as well as for the safe keeping of documents, clothing and household items.

The typical English chest of the late 16th and early 17th century is simple in design. The framework is grooved and moulded or carved, while the richest carving is reserved for the panels. The end-panels are usually plain, the top rails however are sometimes carved to correspond to the front. In chests of Charles I reign a drawer first appears, and the horizontal division of the piece is emphasised by a projecting moulding. This introduction of a drawer in the lower part of chests was a significant because it was the first stage in the evolution of the chest of drawers.