Early 19th Century Blue Floral Painted Cupboard

Details

Description

Painted Cabinet in Ottanio Blue

Period: Early 1800s
Origin: Bavarian Alps
Wood type: Fir

Dimensions:
H. 157 cm | 61.8 … Read more Painted Cabinet in Ottanio Blue

Period: Early 1800s
Origin: Bavarian Alps
Wood type: Fir

Dimensions:
H. 157 cm | 61.8 in
W. 107 cm | 42.1 in
D. 42 cm | 16.5 in

:
“Tölzer” cabinet entirely painted in ottanio blue.
The structure is solid, with two doors, a rectilinear main body, and beveled corners.
The hinged doors are mounted on a frame that slightly protrudes from the vertical uprights and beveled edges.
The decoration is executed using the traditional technique of casein paint on wood, common in furniture from the Alpine region.
The panels are richly adorned with floral and symbolic motifs, including:

Hearts and flower vases, votive and auspicious symbols, often linked to weddings or dowries.
Stylized apples and tulips, recurring motifs in Central European folk iconography, rich in meanings tied to fertility and abundance.
Geometric elements, such as rectangular frames and semicircular arches that enclose the floral compositions.
The color palette is dominated by warm and earthy tones: carmine red, ochre, slate blue, and fir green, over a wooden background partially left visible.
This type of cabinet was often used as a wardrobe or storage unit in Alpine homes.
The decoration was not purely aesthetic but often held symbolic and apotropaic value (meant to protect the home and family).

Restoration Information:
The photos you see depict the cabinet in its unrestored state. Its condition is excellent.
At the time of sale, the piece will be delivered fully restored. The client may choose the desired level of restoration.
Our workshop guarantees conservative restoration for every piece, respecting its original integrity.
Each cabinet is treated to ensure structural stability and hygiene.

The restoration includes:

Structural restoration
Thorough anti-woodworm treatment
Interior cleaning and sanitization
Exterior finish with natural beeswax
Interior finish with shellac (natural alcohol-based varnish) See less