Pine Folk Art Storage Bench or Settle in Decorative Paint

Details

Description

What an amazing bench! In line and form it is very much like other Central European storage benches we offer, … Read more What an amazing bench! In line and form it is very much like other Central European storage benches we offer, albeit a very fine example. It has straight back rails enclosing three flat panels. The legs are straight and the integral arms are only slightly scrolled and enclose another flat panel. The seat lifts to reveal a deep storage well.
But the finish is outstanding. The background is a deep oxblood on which black stripes are applied in such a pattern as to present as a stylized grain paint. Vertical here and horizontal there, laid straight or diagonally, or in arches.
The five rectangular panels have the tromp l’oeil effect of being raised panels. These and the diamonds and “arrow heads” appear to be faux grain painted as a maple or some similar species. The overall effect is stunning and rare.
This dealer purchased a Hungarian chest of drawers in somewhat similar paint in Holland over thirty years ago. That piece was dated 1926. See less