An Extremely Rare James I Oak Hanging Wall Cupboard
The central door, having a finely detailed marquetry panel, showing birds, flowers and trailing stems (note – the coloured woods, probably box and holly, are reversed to each side of the centre). To create a border, the coloured woods are used in a parquetry design around the edge, which is contained within an inner and outer band of stringing.
The marquetry panel is contained in a deeply gadrooned frame, embellished by stamp decoration, and bearing a couple of owner’s inventory marks “M B”. The door retains the original lock and is hung on pin hinges. When open, there is a single shelf.
The rails of the cupboard are superbly carved with a stylised rose in each corner. The sides carved with a matching decoration of gilly flowers above scrolls, acorns and leaves. All supported on upturned semi-circles (a motif which is copied at the bottom of the marquetry panel). The top rail has floral carving – leaves, flowers and a central acorn. The bottom rail beneath the door is exquisite, having a central fleurs de lys, with scrolling stems, leaves and flowers.
Made at the beginning of the 17th century, this is probably one of the earliest wall cupboards and an outstanding piece of English oak.
The colour and surface are superb.
English, circa 1610-20.
25.5 inches x 25.5 inches, depth 10.5 inches.
Ref 2926
SOLD
