Summary:
• Item: Court / Housekeepers Cupboard
• Circa: 1660
• Provenance: Yorkshire, England, UK
• Period: Charles II
• Rare small / proportions
• Guilloche carved decorative frieze
• Turned drop pendants
• 2 inlaid marquetry carved door panels
• Mirror matched positive/negative marquetry design
• Central floral inlaid panel
• Recessed door & side frame panels
• Reeded rails & stiles to doors and sides
• Geometric scratch / wriggle work carvings to frame
• Early iron door handles
• Original pin hinges
• Original crisp carvings throughout
• Traditional peg construction
• Two piece cupboard
• Fantastic original colour & patination
• Solid in joint
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & Southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy
Description:
This is a stunning quality antique Charles II oak court cupboard, circa 1660, in good condition, with rare small proportions and stunning marquetry inlay, attributable to the Yorkshire region, in the North East of England. This type of cupboard was typically used for storing kitchen utensils and food. The top section incorporates a guilloche carved decorative frieze, flanked by turned drop pendants. Below, the top section incorporates a central panel, inlaid with exquisite bog oak and holly floral marquetry, flanked by reeding and geometric scratch / wriggle work carving. To either side of this central panel are two hinged doors, which display further exquisite floral inlaid bog oak and holly floral marquetry. Interestingly, the inlay on the two doors incorporates a positive/negative design, in which the carvings match, with one side echoing the other but using the same colours in reverse order. The two small doors feature later (possibly 18th century) iron drop handles. The lower section of the cupboard incorporates two large inset panel doors; constructed with reeded and geometric scratch / wriggle work carved rails, secured with the original iron pin hinges. The doors feature turned oak knobs, which appear to be original. There is an internal fixed shelf. The cupboard stands on its original channelled stiles, which have been re-tipped at some time. The stiles also feature scratch / wriggle work carvings that trail up either side of the cupboard. The cupboard frame and doors have been constructed in the traditional pegged construction method and incorporates later backboards.
This piece of furniture dismantles into two sections, for ease of transport and access into the house. All in all, this is a stunning piece of early period oak antique furniture.
To quote from the book, “Oak Furniture, The British Tradition” (Victor Chinnery): “Apart from the tester bedstead, the great press / court cupboard was the most important and prestigious piece of furniture many small households could boast. As a type, they first appeared in the second half of the 16th century, and continued to be made in remote areas until the beginning of the 19th century”. This cupboard could have been made for or donated as a wedding present to a newly married couple. It would have provided significant storage space for utensils and food.
This item features a rich dark red “oxblood” oak colour. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.
This item would look superb in a variety of rooms including the hallway, kitchen or dining room. This item would certainly grace any home and is a great investment, as it is extremely functional. So don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Provenance:
This piece is attributable to the northern county of Yorkshire in England. The overall design of the piece, specifically the marquetry inlay visible on the door panels on the upper section of the piece locates it to this part of England.
Condition Report:
This item is in good condition, which is commensurate with its age. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. All doors and hinges are in good working order; they close comfortably (they are not warped). The carvings to the front of the cupboard are original. The two small doors to the top section of the cupboard feature later (possibly 18th century) iron drop handles. The oak turned knobs on the lower doors are most likely original. All doors retain their original pin hinges. There has been some restoration to the base; specifically the addition of later backboards to the lower section, as well as the stiles (feet) having been re-tipped sometime in the past. It was not unusual for the feet to be re-tipped, for a piece of this age, as it would have stood on a stone floor for several hundred years. The top section of the backboards and roof boards are original. This piece has been wax polished & cleaned inside. The item is solid in joint and stands firm on the ground (it does not wobble).
Dimensions:
Height = 139cm or 54¾” or 4ft 6¾”
Width = 138cm or 54⅜” or 4ft 6⅜”
Depth = 53.5cm or 21” or 1ft 9”
Floor to shelf ledge = 95.1cm or 37½” or 3ft 1½”
Terms & Conditions:
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Ref. Court Cupboard 17