Large English chest from the 17th century in carved oak.

Rectangular storage chest with a flat lid. Original English work. 17th century, Stuart period, circa 1620-1680. Jacobian style furniture, highly representative of the cabinetmaking from across the Channel during this period. Built with great robustness, entirely made of solid oak. Traditional joinery with visible tenons, mortises, and wooden pegs. Straight legs formed by the direct extension of the outer posts of the structure. Architectural front divided into four panels with a flat frame. Richly carved decoration in relief and intaglio. Main ornamentation composed of circular motifs framing central diamonds. Upper rail adorned with a continuous frieze of half-roses and stylised floral motifs. Interior layout includes a large storage volume and a small left-side compartment (traditionally called a candle box). Ironwork in wrought iron. Three long hinges fixed under the lid and on the back rail. Keyhole on the front and internal mechanism present. Absence of the key, locking system not functioning. Very good overall condition considering its age. Sound and very solid structure, capable of supporting the weight of a seat. Beautiful dark and shiny patina of the oak. Signs of use, wear from time, and natural wood splits. Visible material loss on the edge of the upper back rail, indicating past wear or attack by wood-boring insects. Usual restoration noted: lower part of a back leg reinforced by the addition of a shaped wooden wedge, modification that does not alter the stability of the piece or the aesthetics of the front. Measurements: • Length: 154 cm. • Depth: 63 cm. • Height: 72 cm. • Internal length (usable volume): 140 cm. • Internal width (usable volume): 52 cm.