19th Century French Provincial Breton Folk-Art Armoire

Details

Description

A provincial two-door cabinet or storage cupboard from Lower Brittany. Early/mid-19th century. Solid chestnut wood with beautiful original patina.

An … Read more A provincial two-door cabinet or storage cupboard from Lower Brittany. Early/mid-19th century. Solid chestnut wood with beautiful original patina.

An authentic example of traditional Breton craftsmanship. Cabinets of this type were manufactured from the 18th century until the late 19th century and were often part of a dowry, known as wedding cabinets.


Two-door cabinet with side panels in stud construction with a heavily profiled and relief-carved front and a high plinth with three ‘false drawers’. Bird motifs depicted in profile on the sides with accentuated tail feathers are a decorative element typical of the West Breton furniture tradition, especially in the Glazik region, and are also considered symbols of vigilance, soul or protection. The doors are framed with curved panels and artistically carved foliage decoration and are hung on large external brass fittings. The upper edge is formed by a cornice with a concave profile.

Large engraved brass door fittings complete the furniture and, together with the hinges and small decorative brass nails, provide a beautiful contrast to the dark patina of the wood.

Inside, the cabinet is equipped with two 2.5 cm (0.98 in.) thick shelves. An additional shelf can be added upon request.

Dimensions

Height: 199.5 cm / 78.54 inch.

Width: 133 cm or 147 cm (including top rail) / 52.36 in. / 57.87 in. (including top rail)

Depth: 61 cm (plus 7 cm top rail) / 24.02 in. (plus 2.76 in. top rail)

Shelf depth: 51 cm / 20.08 inch.

Dimension of the opening: 129 cm x 105 cm / 50.79 in. x 41.34 in.



In good condition, ready for use, with slight signs of age, including old woodworm tunnels (not active!) and some old fading, especially on the lower part of the cabinet. Original lock with replaced key. See less