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sellingantiques.co.uk
ID #SA1229364
FOR SALE
£1,750
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Early 17thc North Italian Cypress Wood Chest of Superb Original Patina
LVS Decorative Arts
for sale €2,048     $2,223
£1,750
LVS Decorative Arts

LVS Decorative Arts

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2011
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    LVS Decorative Arts is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
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Id #SA1229364
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Early 17thc North Italian Cypress Wood Chest of Superb Original Patina

17th century
Description

An early 17th century (circa 1620) North Italian Cypress wood chest of superb original patina, possibly a marriage chest.

This Cypress chest consists of a two plank top with applied moulding to the front edge with carved decoration.

The top opening to reveal a good storage area with candle holder, the inside of the top also with painted or inked heart decoration, the Cypress wood (similar to cedar) known for being a natural repellent to insects such as moths so is ideal for clothes storage.

This leads down to the front of the chest consisting of carved images of mythical beasts, possibly dragons, with heart symbol to the centre, the carved areas filled with black pitch (or bitumen), the chest also having a lock and working steel key.

The chest having a dovetail construction to each corner, the sides with applied wooden handle supports, these possibly originally fitted with leather or rope handles.

The Cypress chest tended to originate form the Northern regions of Italy often from Venice, Adige or Umbria in the 16th and early 17th centuries, this chest possibly a marriage chest due to the heart symbols and mirrored decoration to the front.

This chest is in very good original condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home - ideal as a coffee table or great for general storage too.

Size:

Height: 20'' / 50.75cm

Width: 20.25'' / 127.5cm

Depth: 22.5'' / 57cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
50.8cm (20.00")
Width
127.5cm (50.20")
Depth
57cm (22.44")
Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this 17th Century Cypress Chest to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1229364
Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description
An early 17th century (circa 1620) North Italian Cypress wood chest of superb original patina, possibly a marriage chest.
“
This Cypress chest consists of a two plank top with applied moulding to the front edge with carved decoration.
LVS Decorative Arts
fig 1. Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols.
fig 1. Early 17thc North Italian Cypress Wood Chest of Superb Original Patina

The top opening to reveal a good storage area with candle holder, the inside of the top also with painted or inked heart decoration, the Cypress wood (similar to cedar) known for being a natural repellent to insects such as moths so is ideal for clothes storage.

fig 2. Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols.
fig 2. Early 17thc North Italian Cypress Wood Chest of Superb Original Patina

This leads down to the front of the chest consisting of carved images of mythical beasts, possibly dragons, with heart symbol to the centre, the carved areas filled with black pitch (or bitumen), the chest also having a lock and working steel key.

fig 3. Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols.
fig 3. Early 17thc North Italian Cypress Wood Chest of Superb Original Patina

The chest having a dovetail construction to each corner, the sides with applied wooden handle supports, these possibly originally fitted with leather or rope handles.

The Cypress chest tended to originate form the Northern regions of Italy often from Venice, Adige or Umbria in the 16th and early 17th centuries, this chest possibly a marriage chest due to the heart symbols and mirrored decoration to the front.

fig 4. Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols.
fig 4. Early 17thc North Italian Cypress Wood Chest of Superb Original Patina

This chest is in very good original condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home - ideal as a coffee table or great for general storage too.

Size:

Height: 20'' / 50.75cm

Width: 20.25'' / 127.5cm

Depth: 22.5'' / 57cm

Height
50.8cm (20.00")
Width
127.5cm (50.20")
Depth
57cm (22.44")
Date of Manufacture

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this 17th Century Cypress Chest to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1229364
LVS Decorative Arts
LVS Decorative Arts
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2011
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the LVS Decorative Arts Profile Page

Trade Associations

LVS Decorative Arts is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

Relevant Links
PDF SHARE
SAVE
Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols.
1 / 15
Archive I Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols.

Early 17thc North Italian Cypress Wood Chest of Superb Original Patina

Archive II Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View II
Archive III Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View III
Archive IV Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View IV
Archive V Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View V
Archive VI Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View VI
Archive VII Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View VII
Archive VIII Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View VIII
Archive IX Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View IX
Archive X Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View X
Archive XI Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View XI
Archive XII Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View XII
Archive XIII Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View XIII
Archive XIV Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View XIV
Archive XV Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
LVS Decorative Arts

LVS Decorative Arts
Telephone 07703 306451
Location
Suffolk
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/lvs
Verified Since May 2011
Items For Sale 234
Items Sold 1,083
LVS Decorative Arts
LVS Decorative Arts
Verified Since May 2011
View Dealer Info
Location: Suffolk, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/lvs
Verified
May 2011
For Sale
234
Sold
1,083
Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols.
Early 17thc North Italian Cypress wood chest of superb original patina
Ref: SA1229364
Early seventeenth-century Northern Italian cypress wood coffer decorated with detailed incised panels depicting mythical beasts and heraldic symbols.
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FAQs

A 17th-century Italian cypress chest, often referred to as a coffer or cassone, is a rectangular wooden storage vessel produced during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods in Italy, constructed primarily from aromatic cypress wood to protect contents from pests.

These chests were typically crafted from solid cypress or pine planks using hand-cut dovetail or plank-and-nail joinery. Surface decorations were frequently executed using incised line work, pyrography, or carving, complemented by wrought iron hinges, lock plates, and side handles.

Authentic period examples exhibit signs of hand-planed timber, irregular dovetail joints, dark oxidisation around iron fittings, natural wear to the lower base, and a characteristic warm amber-brown patina developed over centuries of wax polish and exposure.

An antique coffer functions effectively as a focal point in an entryway, placed at the foot of a bed, or positioned behind a sofa. Its understated geometric form and rich timber tone provide texture and historic depth within modern or minimalist interior schemes.

Keep the timber away from direct heat sources and sudden humidity fluctuations to prevent cracking. Dust regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth and apply a high-quality beeswax polish sparingly once or twice a year to maintain the protective surface patina.
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