A Fabulous and Most Unusual 16th Century Carved Oak Panel
![](https://www.harringworthmanor.co.uk/sites/default/files/P1170838.jpg)
![](https://www.harringworthmanor.co.uk/sites/default/files/P1170841.jpg)
![](https://www.harringworthmanor.co.uk/sites/default/files/P1170839.jpg)
![](https://www.harringworthmanor.co.uk/sites/default/files/P1170840.jpg)
The upper section, carved with a bold central rose, with blind tracery double rose leaves in the corners.
The lower and larger section is carved with a startled and grimacing face, having bulging eyes and hands held aloft, as if in surrender.
Below the face are deep incised curving lines.
The panel is almost certainly from a chest, and meant to be seen in this upright position – after all, no-one turns a piece of furniture upside down, to view the component parts from a different perspective. However, if one did view this panel from “upside down”, there is quite a different face looking at us – a rather cheeky grin with protruding tongue, and wild hair.
Is it too much to guess that the carver had a mischievous sense of humour?
Although quite rare, I have seen the odd reversible picture – occasionally a panel, but more often a piece of pottery or painting – however this is by far the best.
English, circa 1590-1600.
Width 9 inches, height 16.25 inches, thickness 1 inch.
Ref 2808
SOLD
![](https://www.harringworthmanor.co.uk/sites/default/files/P1170838.jpg)
![](https://www.harringworthmanor.co.uk/sites/default/files/P1170841.jpg)
![](https://www.harringworthmanor.co.uk/sites/default/files/P1170839.jpg)
![](https://www.harringworthmanor.co.uk/sites/default/files/P1170840.jpg)