Painted Oak Chest of Four Drawers, Hungary, Circa 1900

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What an extraordinary chest of drawers! The top is plain with a bullnose edge and the sides are nicely paneled. … Read more What an extraordinary chest of drawers! The top is plain with a bullnose edge and the sides are nicely paneled. The front corners of the case are boldly reeded and toward the top a sprig of lily of the valley is delicately carved inside the reed. Above this is a massive scrolled acanthus leaf corbel, appearing to support the top. The drawers are more or less equal in depth with faux panels created by an applied mitered molding with a bead running round the inside. The knobs are rare; hardly ever seen They are the classic shape of the ceramic knobs found on much Central European vernacular furniture, except these are carved in wood. The gourd-like feet have similar contours.
The oak was finished in dark tones and then was painted over in buttermilk. At some time it was painted white and has worn or been rubbed through to the earlier layers. The result is a delightful piece that need not be confined to the bedroom, but rather can be enjoyed wherever some whimsical storage is required. See less