Basque Oak Storage Cabinet, 17th Century

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This 17th-century oak cabinet originates from the Spanish or French Pyrenees. The style is often referred to as a “Basque … Read more This 17th-century oak cabinet originates from the Spanish or French Pyrenees. The style is often referred to as a “Basque storage cabinet” or a similar regional, traditional piece.
The cabinet is made of thick, solid oak planks held together with wooden pegs and handmade nails, a primitive yet sturdy construction technique common in early furniture. It features prominent, decorative, hand-forged iron hardware, including large hinges and ring pulls, typical of the period and style.
The front and sides consist of vertically arranged wooden planks with simple moldings or V-grooves. It stands on shaped “sled” legs, designed for movement on uneven floors or during transport.
The wood exhibits a deeply patinated, weathered, and dark finish, the result of centuries of use and age. This is a valued characteristic of such authentic, rustic pieces.
Historically, these cabinets were used in farmhouses for storing food or clothing. They served as simple and functional furniture in a time when life was often unstable and furniture had to be mobile. See less