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Antique early 18th century Dutch or German Solid blacked oak chest or trunk

$5,404.81
£4,007.18
€4,500
CA$7,424.93
A$8,105.53
CHF 4,267.66
MX$97,094.84
NOK 54,581.83
SEK 49,834.12
DKK 34,288.37

About the Item

This is a blackened oak chest with paneled sides and richly carved geometric decoration across the front. The piece was crafted in Northern Europe—likely the Low Countries or the Westphalian/Niederrhein region of Germany—and dates from the late 17th to early 18th century, approximately 1680–1720. This was a period marked by sturdy paneled chests decorated with rhythmic, geometric motifs that balanced simplicity with strong visual presence. Carving The front is divided into three panels, each featuring a large central rosette motif carved in deep relief, with radiating petals or sunbursts. These rosettes sit within square frames and are accented with carved corner leaves. Surrounding the panels is a band of running foliate carving, made up of repeating leaf patterns. The upper rail displays an arcaded frieze of fan- or shell-like carvings—typical of late Baroque regional work around 1700. The lower rail and stiles are also decorated with continuous leafwork, giving the entire façade a balanced, rhythmic appearance. Construction The chest is built from heavy oak boards with framed and paneled sides, a hallmark of quality craftsmanship in this period. The corners are joined with pegged mortise-and-tenon joints, ensuring strength and longevity. The lid is made from a single, wide oak plank—a characteristic of early handwork—and the chest stands on short integral feet formed from extensions of the stiles, making the construction both stable and durable. Origin and historical context Chests of this type were commonly made in regions such as Gelderland, Overijssel, Westphalia, and the Lower Rhine. The style corresponds closely with the rural Baroque and late-Renaissance traditions of around 1700, where rosettes, foliate bands, and geometric repetition were highly favored. Function and use In the 17th and 18th centuries, a chest like this served as an essential household storage piece for linens, textiles, clothing, and occasionally documents or valuables. Such chests were typically placed in the main living area or the "best room," functioning both as practical storage and as a symbol of household status. The blackened surface—usually achieved with tar, pigment, or wax—was popular because it heightened the contrast of the carving and gave the piece a bold, dignified presence. In summary A robust and characterful paneled chest from circa 1680–1720, with deeply carved geometric and foliate ornament typical of the regional traditions of the Low Countries and Westphalia. An authentic piece that carries more than three centuries of history and craftsmanship.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 25.6 in (65 cm)Width: 50.79 in (129 cm)Depth: 20.08 in (51 cm)
  • Style:
    Renaissance (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Oak,Carved,Stained
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1720
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Casteren, NL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU970947792682

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