Late Elizabeth I, Exeter carved chest
- Period
- Circa 1600
- Origin
- Exeter, Devon
- Dimensions
- W 75 1/2" × H 30 1/2" × D 28 3/4"
- Reference
- #Marh917
This piece has been sold. It is shown here for reference in our archive.
Description
Large ornate and richly carved joined oak chest from Exeter city, the front with four applied arcaded panels carved with S-scrolls and leafy designs, within these, botanical imagery and each panel decorated differently. The frieze rail decorated with a full roundel of leafy designs with interlaced lunettes to the base of the roundel.
The stiles carved with leafy and double guilloche designs, with two of the stiles having a known Exeter feature with upper and lower shell type motif joined by strap work designs in a cartouche. The lower rails carved with tightly packed vertical S-scroll.
Each side carved with twin panels carved with S-scrolls within a heavy applied frame. The lock plate and inside of the chest have the initials and date R E E 1657, this is possibly for a marriage or birth, as the chest pre dates this date.
Made for a wealthy patron. Possibly one of the finest Exeter chests to come to the market.