Description
A small English William & Mary period oyster olive wood and walnut chest (1689-1702).
Ca 1690.
Nb. This fine antique late 17th century chest of drawers is of rare compact proportions. Inlaid with geometric oyster veneers within boxwood lines. With two short and two long drawers.
The top is superbly inlaid with complex concentric circular oyster-cut veneers and repeated heart-shaped motifs.
Brass mounts and bun feet are later but correct for period.
In the late 17th century bold cross-grain mouldings were invariably applied around the front and sides of the top and bottom of the carcass and, together with the half-round mouldings to the drawer dividers, are an important confirmation of authenticity.
Refs:
Ralph Edwards CBE FSA notes two chests of the same period in ’The Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture’, Hamlyn Publ, London, Fourth Impression 1972, p. 202, illustr. 14 (Bourne Park, Kent) & illustr. 16 (J. Thursby Pelham Collection).
Christie’s sold a very similar but larger William and Mary period chest @ £18,750 “with restorations and replacements”, 21 January 2010, lot 26.
Clevedon Salerooms sold an oyster walnut chest “originally on a stand” for £23,600 plus a 15% premium, on September 2nd, 2000.
William and Mary style – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_and_Mary_style
