How do I care for a marquetry surface?

Keep wooden furniture away from direct sunlight and sudden temperature shifts to prevent the delicate veneer from lifting. Apply a traditional wax polish occasionally and buff gently with a soft cloth to maintain the timber lustre.

What is an oyster veneer?

Oyster veneer consists of small branch sections cut transversely to display circular growth rings resembling oyster shells. Cabinet-makers arranged these slices closely together to create patterned surfaces on seventeenth-century pieces.

Where were these chests used?

These storage pieces served in principal rooms and bedrooms for linens, garments, and valuables. Sideboards and commodes also provided display surfaces for silver and ceramics in formal dining spaces.