Late Elizabeth I, Exeter carved chest

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.