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Description:
Ultimately, this exquisitely carved, small oak chest or coffret from the 19th century has its roots in the heady times of medieval chivalry. Originally designed to hold a noble lady's portable valuables, the coffret was also used as a dispatch box for love letters carried around the Languedoc region of France where the troubadours elevated courtly love to new heights in their chansons and rondeaux. The decorative elements revolve around the bucolic themes of agriculture and wine. On the top, the figure of a youth reclines on a chaise longue of sculpted vegetation, staring dreamily into space while clutching an apple. Grape clusters and leaves abound on the front panel, framing a head of Bacchus. The side panels display intricately carved floral arrangements in the overall shape of a fleur-de-lys. Unlike many coffrets of the period, this one has an exquisitely carved panel on the back in addition to the three sides generally exposed to viewers. At each corner of the coffret is an intricately carved cluster of fruit. Decorative borders on the top include the pearl motif typical of Renaissance decoration and palmettes alternating with highly stylized fleurs-de-lys. For another piece using the vine motif, see dressoir 9204.
Thirion, Jacques, Le Mobilier du Moyen Age et de la Renaissance en France (Editions Faton, Dijon, 1998)
This small chest is ideal for holding jewelry and other valuables or as a decorative item to be admired for its own sake.
For more information on this item and on French antiques, visit M. Markley Antiques on the Web -- the ultimate website for French Gothic Revival and Renaissance Revival furniture, including Henri II, Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Louis XV styles.
| Status: For Sale |
Reference#: 009460 |
| Condition:
excellent |
Year:
Circa 1880
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| Country:
France |
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| Height:
17 in. (43.18 cm) |
Depth:
12 in. (30.48 cm) |
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Width: 20.5 in. (52.07 cm)
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| Materials:
solid oak |
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