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Louis XIV Trunks and Luggage

LOUIS XIV STYLE

As opposed to the styles that would follow from the other 18th-century French kings, Louis XV and Louis XVI, antique Louis XIV furniture is rigid and imposing. It expresses opulence — even its armchairs, with their upright backs, straight legs and lavish ornamentation, look like thrones. Authentic Louis XIV sofas, a then newly emerging iteration of seating, are fully upholstered and often feature decoratively carved frames of walnut, chestnut or oak.

When French King Louis XIV established his royal court at Versailles in 1682, he transformed what was once a hunting lodge into a palace that declared his wealth and power through its design. Until his death in 1715, he reigned with a spirit of excess and absolute political dominance. The “Sun King,” as he called himself, believed that France revolved around him as planets do the sun. Louis XIV adopted the sun as his emblem, decorating the grounds with symbols of the sun and Apollo, the Greek god of the sun. As he stated, “There is nothing that indicates more clearly the magnificence of great princes than their superb palaces and their precious furniture.” He was a child when he became king in 1643, only shaping his style after he became absolute monarch in 1661.

Reflecting trends in French Baroque art, Louis XIV furniture characteristics included exuberant decoration. There were gilded bronze details including shells, suns, grotesques, lions and classical references like acanthus leaves. The years of growth in the country’s manufacturing, such as the tapestries and cabinets made at Gobelins, led to design innovations. The commode replaced the chest as a storage device, with drawers and a surface that could double as a desk.

The materials were luxurious, such as the popular tortoiseshell veneer technique that leading cabinetmaker Pierre Golle used in his designs. André-Charles Boulle, who became royal cabinetmaker in 1672, was a masterful artist of marquetry, using inlays of ebony, exotic woods and mother-of-pearl.

Find a collection of antique Louis XIV bedroom furniture, chairs, tables and other pieces on 1stDibs.

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Style: Louis XIV
Large French Pirate Corsair's Chest - Safe - Louis XIV Period - France XVIIth
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Exceptional and extremely rare privateer/pirate chest in solid oak. The wood is richly carved with rosettes. The bottom of the trunk is pierced with holes...
Category

17th Century French Antique Louis XIV Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Wrought Iron

Period Louis XIV Oak and Iron Domed Trunk, Northeast France, Circa 1700
Located in Dallas, TX
A fantastic example of a period Louis XIV trunk, the oak body, which features a domed top, is bound with ornate iron strapwork. The trunk originated in northeast France and was hand-...
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Early 1700s French Antique Louis XIV Trunks and Luggage

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Metal, Iron

Louis IV 18th Century French Studded Leather Trunk / Chest
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite French Tan leather travel trunk from the early 18th century presents a captivating blend of timeless elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. Adorned with brass studded ...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

Superbe 17th Century French Blanket Chest or Trunk
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Superbe 17th century French blanket chest or trunk.
Category

Mid-17th Century French Antique Louis XIV Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Iron

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Located in Stockbridge, GA
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Late Rustic 17th Century Trunk
Late Rustic 17th Century Trunk
H 25.5 in W 43.5 in D 17.75 in
French Leather Upholstered Carrying Trunk with Brass Nailheads, 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
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Superb 17th Century, French Trunk
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Superb 17th century, French trunk with magnificent handmade carved iron and wood oak. This is a beautiful trunk that is ideal for storage anywhere at home.
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Louis Xiv trunks and luggage for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIV trunks and luggage for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 18th Century and Earlier, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage trunks and luggage created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIV trunks and luggage made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for trunks and luggage differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $4,200 and tops out at $4,800 while the average work can sell for $4,500.

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