Antique 18th Century Oak Dutch Baroque Cushion Cabinet

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An exquisite Dutch cushion cabinet with two doors. This cupboard takes its name from the pillow-shaped thickenings on the doors. … Read more An exquisite Dutch cushion cabinet with two doors. This cupboard takes its name from the pillow-shaped thickenings on the doors. The doors are flanked by semicircular ebony veneered columns. This cabinet is made of the finest quality walnut and is elaborately veneered with geometrical shapes. Everything about this cabinet exudes understated richness. This is the archetype of the Dutch cabinet. Made of walnut and tropical woods, this cupboard adorned the homes of the rich bourgeoisie. Shortly after 1600, the economy flourished as never before. In contrast to previous centuries, it was not the nobility or clergy that became rich, but the working bourgeoisie. She was proud of her acquired wealth and showed it. The Dutch golden age The 17th century was an important century for the Netherlands. The region separated from the Spanish Empire and formed its own republic. Dutch merchants established their first colonies in the Americas and opened up trade networks around the world. The Dutch economy flourished as much of Europe's trade began passing through Amsterdam. This money helped foster the arts, leading to the rise of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens. This was the Dutch Golden Age. The strong Dutch economy and celebration of the arts provided the financial and cultural security to inspire middle and upper-class citizens to buy lots of furniture. This was a big change from sparsely furnished homes of medieval times. Dutch patrons demanded high-quality, comfortable, and stylish products, and furniture makers obliged. Dutch furniture of the 17th century was lighter, more comfortable, and more versatile than in many other parts of the world. A key form of Dutch furniture in the 17th century was the cabinet, a taller furniture item that had replaced ground-level medieval chests. Cabinets were essential furniture items in most Dutch homes, as well as in the Dutch colonies. Since cabinets were generally used to hold valuable items like linens or silverware, they were works of art themselves, and we see some of the most important styles of Dutch furniture applied here. This cabinet is a very rare piece and among its kind, it is truly special. The richness in tropical woods used combined with the semi-circular columns and its monumental size, make this piece unique. See less