Antique 16th C Elizabethan Tudor Inlaid Oak Carved Court Cupboard Cabinet 1580

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A remarkable survivor from the late 16th century antique carved & inlaid oak Elizabethan Court cupboard from the Tudor period, … Read more A remarkable survivor from the late 16th century antique carved & inlaid oak Elizabethan Court cupboard from the Tudor period, circa 1580.
The cabinet having a carved repeating semi-circular frieze to the top, below is a single cupboard paneled door carved & inlaid with an ebony & fruitwood diamond shaped device. The sides are canted and carved with 'linen-fold' panels, the edges inlaid with corresponding ebony & fruitwood chevron shaped inlay, the top is supported by substantial baluster shaped turned and carved 'cup & cover' supports.
The base having a carved frieze with a single drawer to the center, the base is raised on a pair of corresponding cup & cover balusters, the open pot board below is inlaid with a frieze of fruitwood 'pyramid' shape devices.
The term "Court Cupboard" is said to come from the French "court" meaning short, because of the low height of such cabinets. A contemporary reference dating to 1591 was made in William Shakespeare's play, "Romeo & Juliet", when referring to the cleaning of the Capulet's house for a celebration; "Away with the joint-stools, remove the court cupboard; look to the plate".
The cabinet is in very good antique condition, with a wonderful rich & mellow dark honey colored patina, the cabinet is ready to grace your home. A rare opportunity to own a piece of Elizabethan history! See less