An Impressive Early 18th Century Dutch Oak Geometric Kussen Cabinet With Integral Secretaire

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An impressive early 18th century Dutch oak geometric kussen cabinet with integral secretaire

Anonymous
Belgium or Southwestern Netherlands; probably first … Read more An impressive early 18th century Dutch oak geometric kussen cabinet with integral secretaire

Anonymous
Belgium or Southwestern Netherlands; probably first quarter of the 18th century
Oak, Brass, Iron

Approximate size: 64.5 (w) x 70 (h) x 26 (d) in.

Approximate weight: 160 lbs.

This imposing cabinet is a statement piece that once would have decorated the interior ‘zaal’ or reception room of a stately Dutch home. Often found in wealthy households, ‘kussen’ cabinets—so-called for their cushion-like door panels—were the vogue of late 17th and early 18th century homes.

Such cabinets were originally used to store fine linens—and in the case of this example—served also as a small writing table with hidden storage compartments. The elaborate workmanship of this cabinet features a harmonious restraint that redacts the ostentatious forms found in the earlier kussenkast cabinets of the late 17th century.

The highlight of this cabinet is its beautiful chocolate patina and its elaborate multi-profiled geometrically patterned, molded and shaped panel doors covering an upper and lower cupboard divided by a central abattant that opens to a secretaire featuring six flanking drawers and a central cabinet revealing six further smaller drawers. The drawers and doors feature their original brass keys, escutcheons and pulls, albeit one pull is lacking and another is probably a later replacement. The interior cabinet door key is lacking and is superficially secured in place by tape.

The cabinet is block footed, features handsome coffered sides and is surmounted by an out swept cornice. Overall, this fine example of Golden Age Dutch cabinet making showcases a discrete luxury fitting for both antiquarian or modern homes.

Condition commensurate age, featuring general marks, minor scuffs, nicks, scratches, fissures, wear, scattered losses and woodworm due to old water damage along the raw hewn planks along the lower back wall of the cabinet.

Ships from our storage facility in Belgium and may require ocean freight delivery if shipping to the USA. Please allow 10-to-55 days for delivery. See less