French Country Chest, Late 18th–Mid 19th Century

Description

A spacious French country storage chest from the late 18th to mid 19th century, commonly found in cottages of western and central France. Made from hand-planed chestnut with a single-piece solid lid that lifts to reveal a generous interior suitable for linens, clothing, or provisions.

Dimensions

• Length: 136 cm
• Depth: 60 cm
• Height: 79.5 cm

Condition

• Constructed with mortise-and-tenon joinery and wooden pegs; no metal nails.
• Hand-planed chestnut boards; rustic, sturdy craftsmanship.

Additional Details

• Features curved sheep-foot legs and a wavy apron, characteristic of French rural design of the period.
• Originally used as a marriage chest or linen chest; often repurposed as an entry bench, living-room or bedroom storage cabinet, or foot-of-bed bench.