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Antique 17th Century Oak Dutch Renaissance Cabinet with Ebony and Mahogany

About the Item

On offer here is an antique four-door cupboard, in Dutch, named “Kussenkast”, that was made in the Northern Netherlands in the late 17th century. This cupboard takes its name from the pillow-shaped thickenings on the doors. The doors are flanked by semicircular ebony veneered columns. In the middle sits a curved drawer decorated with carved lion masks with rings. The plinth houses two drawers with turned wooden knobs with large turned ball legs below. This cabinet is made of the finest quality oak and is elaborately veneered with geometrical shapes of ebony and rosewood. Everything about this cabinet exudes understated richness. This is the archetype of the Dutch cabinet. Made of oak and tropical woods, this cupboard adorned the homes of the rich bourgeoisie. Shortly after 1600, the economy flourished as never before. In contrast to previous centuries, it was not the nobility or clergy that became rich, but the working bourgeoisie. She was proud of her acquired wealth and showed it. The Dutch Golden Age The 17th century was an important century for the Netherlands. The region separated from the Spanish Empire and formed its republic. Dutch merchants established their first colonies in the Americas and opened up trade networks around the world. The Dutch economy flourished as much of Europe's trade began passing through Amsterdam. This money helped foster the arts, leading to the rise of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens. This was the Dutch Golden Age. The strong Dutch economy and celebration of the arts provided the financial and cultural security to inspire middle and upper-class citizens to buy lots of furniture. This was a big change from the sparsely furnished homes of medieval times. Dutch patrons demanded high-quality, comfortable, and stylish products, and furniture makers obliged. Dutch furniture of the 17th century was lighter, more comfortable, and more versatile than in many other parts of the world. A key form of Dutch furniture in the 17th century was the cabinet, a taller furniture item that had replaced ground-level medieval chests. Cabinets were essential furniture items in most Dutch homes, as well as in the Dutch colonies. Since cabinets were generally used to hold valuable items like linens or silverware, they were works of art themselves, and we see some of the most important styles of Dutch furniture applied here. This cabinet is a rare piece and among its kind, it is truly special. The richness of tropical woods used combined with the semi-circular columns and its monumental size, make this piece unique. Lesser examples of this type of cabinet can be found in the various Dutch museums. Condition details: The cabinet is in exceptionally good authentic condition. All the locks, keys, hinges, and key plates are original. All the wood throughout the piece is authentic. Small repairs were done. Cracks between the various boards were closed. Small repairs were done to the veneer. The whole piece was gently cleaned throughout and a new protective wax coat was applied. The piece has a great warm color that combines very well with the abundant use of black ebony. The many years of waxing and polishing resulted in a beautiful gloss and great patina. The cabinet breaks down into three pieces to make installing easy. Dimensions: 89 inches high, width 73.6 inches (top corniche) 60 inches (hull), depth 31 inches (top corniche) 23.6 inches (hull).
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 88.98 in (226 cm)Width: 73.63 in (187 cm)Depth: 31.11 in (79 cm)
  • Style:
    Renaissance (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    Late 17th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1690
  • Condition:
    Repaired: see description. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Casteren, NL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU970936136912

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