17th c. Wedding Chest

France, 17th Century

$1,995

More than three hundred years of hands have lifted this lid. Found in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and dating to the 17th century, it carries a front worked in deep geometric panels, scrolled corners and oval latticed bosses set around an old iron lockplate, the whole of it darkened and worn down to a near-black patina. Chests like it were wedding coffers, the piece a bride was given to hold her trousseau, the linens and lace and household goods she carried from her family’s house to her husband’s, carved as finely as the family could afford. Sylvie sets it at the foot of a bed to keep blankets in, or along a wall as a low table with a lamp and a stack of books on the lid.

Minor variations from the images may occur unless otherwise noted. All sales are final.

Age:: 17th Century
Country of Origin:: France
Material:: Wood with metal hardware
Dimensions:: 27.75" H x 44.75" W x 19.25" D

Notes from Sylvie:

Dear collector, as with many antiques, this piece may show signs of its age, including subtle repairs, a bit of movement, cracks, scratches, small holes, and surface variation from years of use. The dark wood finish shows wear throughout, and the metal hardware has some rust patina. The hinges function properly, while the front latch rotates freely but does not sit fully flush. The interior shows similar wear, including a partially hollowed area on the right side. The chest is sturdy and solid.

All items are final sale.