A museum quality, mid-17th century, walnut and oak enclosed chest of drawers with exceptional snakewood moulded front

In two parts. The oak top in two parts and faced with a solid moulded edge. The upper section has a shallow, single drawer with three moulded sections above a large drawer with elaborate, deep cushion and geometric moulding and fine, column turnings and bone roundels. The escutcheon is original, and the lock a later replacement. The bottom section has two doors with deep cushion and geometric, moulding using walnut, snakewood, & cedar veeners, column turnings and bone roundels. The working lock is a later replacement. The hinges are original but cleaned. The interior drawers are dry oak and have original iron handles. The oak sides are panelled with architectural detail and applied mouldings. Standing on stile feet. Some of the bone roundels are replaced. Exceptional original colour and patina. Second half of the 17th century.

This chest illustrates the development of the chest with drawers in the late-17th century, when the front first started to be embellished with striking, moulded decoration and exotic veneers which used form, colour, light and shade to maximum effect.

The internal drawers are devoid of any decoration and are fitted with the usual simple iron handles. They are typically in a very dry and clean state.