Late 17th Century French Louis Monumental XIV Walnut Armoire

Small two-door wardrobe with an interesting conceptual look. The geometrically paneled and molded doors with an iron bolted lock opening to an interior featuring a top shelf above a ...

Tuscan cabinet or bookcase of unusual diminutive proportions and wonderful light honey color. The four doors opening to shelved interiors, on bracket feet.

Striking Tuscan cabinet with canted corners. Four drawers above two doors, on later paw-feet (can be taken off). Beautiful rich color. Our pieces are left in lived-in condition, pe...

Of generous proportions, beautiful turned front legs and stretchers, scrolling arms, Antique faded and worn Needlepoint, not of the period, the legs have additions of 2" at the botto...

Of comfortable size, the four beautifully turned legs joined by conforming stretchers, scrolling, carved arms. Clean up and polish included. The chair needs to be re-upholstered and...

Decorative mid-size credenza / cabinet with nice patina. The front withcarved decoration, two small drawers over paneled doors.

Early 18th century Period Regence French Finely Carved Walnut Oversized Armoire with Bun Feet. Original Key is included.

Standing at nearly nine feet high, this rare solid wood armoire or Buffet de château originating from the 18th century is an excellent example of French furniture during the 1700s. With a wonderfully rich patina, this large beautiful piece features intricate carvings throughout. The most unique feature is the bonnet with a bas relief which shows a carved Vanitas scene of a child resting upon a skull and book above a pair of intricately carved double doors. It can be used as a wardrobe or large moveable cupboard with doors and shelves for storing clothing or even perhaps a media cabinet. Rare, Louis XV period armoires such as this are the epitome of French Provincial furniture. They are increasingly difficult to find in this condition, especially with their original hardware, for it was often removed and melted down for ammunition during the unrest of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This armoire or cabinet is monumental in size and weight. The main case of the piece is rectangular in shape. The bonnet cornice top or domed crown sits snuggly on top of two large scalloped paneled hinged doors. The double doors are elaborately carved with center medallions and open to reveal the inside which includes adjustable shelves and drawer for storage. This wardrobe sits upon 2 cabriole legs in the front and two block legs in the back. Looking underneath the piece, at the bottom, you can see that the wood has been laid out and crafted in a way that resembles a cross. (See photos) Definitely a religious piece. It also features bow tie joints. Original grain can be seen and mortise and tenon joints. This wardrobe exhibits historically accurate carvings with lovely symbolic details throughout and vividly demonstrates the excitement of the period. The center cartouche at the top of the bonnet is embellished by a vanitas theme carved child resting in repose on a bed with a book, and a skull without a jaw underneath. This is commonly known as Vanitas or Memento Mori in Latin, meaning "Remember You Will Die". This sentiment is the Medieval Latin Christian theory and practice of reflection on mortality, especially as a means of considering the vanity of earthly life and the transient nature of all earthly goods and pursuits. It also resembles Eros. Traditionally, the skull represents death, evil, fear, and mortality, but it can also symbolize the complete opposite: protection, power, and gratitude toward life. Which points to the French custom of a father's gift to his newborn daughter. The crafting or purchase of an armoire carved with symbols of plenty and happiness stayed with her throughout her life and was used to store her trousseau in her own home once she married. Regardless of its symbolism, the skull stands as a constant reminder that no one can escape death. For example, the appearance of skulls on some Christian rosaries is said to reflect the Latin expression Memento Mori, meaning ‘remember that you shall die.’ Below this beautiful figural carving are two large domed doors also with intricate carvings The carvings are very well-articulated and in wonderful condition for the age. A serpentine apron features a beautifully carved rocaille (Rococo shell) cartouche and foliate. Original hand forged mountings and double-bolt locking mechanisms characterize this brilliant 18th-century furnishing and tell the story of the time period. The two massive doors feature a beautiful, intricate steel locking mechanism stamped with the Fleur de Lys which signifies that the piece was crafted either for the nobility or royalty. The first armoires appeared in France during the latter half of the 17th century and were most often the dominant feature of the home. These large cupboards were used to hold a family’s belongings from linens to clothing to silver and even food. Originating in France, the French provincial style was born of the ornate Louis XV and Rococo. However, it was crafted by furniture makers in the provinces, outside of the cities. By nature, its beauty relies more on form, function and available materials, and less on ostentatious decorative elements, such as gilding or intricate marquetry. Pieces of this time period were carved with great artistry and skill, yet were made to be functional and long-lasting. One of the most significant features of fine Provincial armoires are the locks and hinges. Because these cupboards were a very important part of the household, little expense was spared in outfitting them with the finest hardware. Long ornate hinges and elaborately scrolled escutcheons were an integral part of the overall design of the armoire. Often, the hinges, lock, and key cost more to produce than the armoire itself. The expense of such a grand armoire was enormous and it often served as an indication of a family's wealth and social standing. As their wealth and possessions grew, armoires were added to the household and it was not unusual for a wealthy family to have several armoires. This beautiful piece could be used as an armoire, wardrobe, linen chest, cabinet or storage cupboard. Or perhaps as a TV entertainment center...

The French custom of a father's gift to his newborn daughter was the crafting or purchase of an armoire carved with symbols of plenty and happiness, which stored her trousseau to use in her own home once she married. This beautifully hand carved, two-door, French wedding armoire...

Original 18th century French solid walnut two-door armoire. This traditional French armoire has wonderful proportions. It is an armoire from the region of Dole (Jura) late 17th / ear...

This monumental Louis XV armoire exhibits the rare beauty of French Provincial furniture. Crafted of lustrous walnut, this armoire features double doors, one of which opens with the ...

French Provincial 18th century walnut two door large scale armoire with foliate carved detail on doors and cornice with original hardware supported on a flat base.

Beautifully carved 18th century. Walnut armoire.

This majestic French walnut armoire is a stunning example of the Provincial style. Standing nearly nine feet high, this rare armoire featuring splendid rocaille carvings above its do...

This fine French provincial double door armoire is beautifully crafted of fine walnut. Adorned with elegant, Rococo-inspired molding and featuring exceptional well-preserved, origina...

 Attractive carvings of vines, leaves and flowers embellish this armoire giving it a romantic touch. Crafted in the late 18th century France, this oak armoire has beautifully carved ...

Beautifully carved 18th century. Walnut armoire.

18th Century Country French Louis XIV Armoire was meticulously hand-crafted on a relatively diminutive scale from dense, old-growth indigen...

Rare and important italian antique wardrobe in solid walnut made in the late 17th century of the period Louis XIV. The line is in fact typical of this period of high period that want...

Rare and important antique wardrobe in solid walnut made in the late seventeenth century in the seventeenth century Italian Baroque Louis XIV. The line is in fact typical of this per...

Italian, bergamasque wardrobe in solid walnut, made in the 17th century, measuring 240 x 165 x 65 cm, refined and elegant in every part including the superb construction of the hat. ...

A very handsome 17th century primitive armoire from the Catalan region of Spain. Soundly constructed from thick planks of chestnut. Stunning patin...