Studded leather chest, 17th century.

Rectangular in shape, with a slightly domed lid, this superb chest is covered in leather over a wooden core. It features studded geometric motifs and floral and leafy scrolls resting in a vase. The lid features a fleur-de-lis at each corner, and on the front, for opening, is a bronze handle. The front is adorned in the center and below the lid with a large bronze plaque depicting two mermaids. A wrought iron drop handle is attached to either side of the cabinet. The interior is upholstered in gray fabric. In the exhibition catalog: "A Time of Exuberance, Decorative Arts under Anne of Austria and Louis XIII in the 17th Century" David Langeois writes: "The bedroom of the painter Jacques Blanchard in Paris contained, in 1637, no fewer than five storage chests including "a square bahu chest covered in Roussy cowhide with a lock and key with its walnut wood foot" undoubtedly very similar to the dated one kept in the Vitré museums" (shown on page 145 of the catalog) and itself resembling the one we are offering.
The chest in the 17th century and again in the 18th century was an important element among tables, sideboards, beds, etc. These traveling chests served as storage furniture and when their owners moved they took them with them filled with their belongings and kept them at their new place of residence. As always, this type of trunk has endured the ravages of time; these utilitarian objects were attached to carriages and unloaded with varying degrees of care. Trunks of this quality and from this period are rare to have survived in good condition. Some minor restorations and minor flaws are noteworthy; a piece was once placed on one of its sides.
Period: 17th century
Dimensions: length 115 cm, depth 60 cm, height 59 cm.

Ref: DIQ48WRBSL