Whites Antiques has dated this piece to the 1930s.
Netherlands 1st quarter of 20th Century
Later Painted Specialist Mottled Midnight Blue Finish
Kussenkast known as Cushion Cabinet
Interior later Painted Specialist Antique White Finish
2 Fixed Shelves
Upper Shelf incorporates a drawer
H: 182cm (71.7") W: 165cm (65") D: 59cm (23.2")
This exquisite cabinet draws inspiration from the Dutch Kussenkast, also known as a Cushion Cabinet.
The cabinet's name derives from the vertical, ornamental 'cushions' on the doors, a characteristic and distinctive feature of these cupboards. It epitomises a Dutch Renaissance cabinet from the Dutch Golden Age, reflecting the craftsmanship of Dutch furniture makers and their distinctive style.
At first glance, the cupboard's monumental appearance may seem simple, but it is brought to life by the intricate foliate carvings on the two doors, which interrupt the solid, rectangular shapes. The foliate capitals carved onto the columns harmonise with the door carvings. Overall, this cabinet is a masterful display of proportion and volume, accentuated by the cushioned doors and the simple moulded apron above the base that anchors the cupboard beneath its grand cornice. The subtle mouldings on the pilasters, drawers, and door panels are design elements that disrupt the verticality of the central structure.
The central doors open to unveil an interior bathed in a soft Antique White finish, providing a striking contrast to the dark, brooding exterior. Inside, there are two fixed shelves, with a drawer nestled into the upper shelf. The mouldings and foliate carvings are uniformly applied throughout.
Historically, this type of cupboard served to store linens and clothing, items that were expensive and often made up a significant portion of a dowry. Therefore, such elaborately crafted cupboards were typically acquired around the time of marriage and could also be presented as gifts.
Owing to their impressive size, these linen cupboards were usually situated in the front room of a home, serving not only a practical purpose but also signifying the family's wealth and social standing.
The Dutch golden age
The 17th century marked a pivotal era for the Netherlands. The region declared independence from the Spanish Empire and established a republic. Dutch merchants founded their initial colonies in the Americas and forged global trade networks. As a result, the Dutch economy thrived, with Amsterdam becoming a central hub for European trade. This prosperity nurtured the arts, culminating in the emergence of masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens, defining the Dutch Golden Age.
The robust Dutch economy, coupled with a flourishing arts scene, provided the financial and cultural stability that encouraged the middle and upper classes to invest in abundant furniture. This shift from the minimalistic furnishing of medieval times was significant. Dutch consumers sought after high-quality, comfortable, and fashionable pieces, and the furniture industry responded accordingly.
Dutch furniture from the 17th century was known for being lighter, more comfortable, and more adaptable than its contemporaries worldwide. A prominent feature of Dutch furniture during this time was the cabinet, a tall piece that replaced the low-lying chests of the medieval period. Cabinets became a staple in Dutch households and their colonies. Often used to store precious items such as linens or silverware, cabinets were not only functional but also artistic, showcasing some of the most significant Dutch furniture styles.
Kussenkast in the Dutch Golden Age
In the Dutch Golden Age, the Kussenkast emerged
Whites Antiques has dated this piece to the 1930s.
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Dutch Carved 2 Door Cupboard Later Painted Mottled Midnight Blue
