Wood Wardrobes and Armoires

A French Louis XV period fruitwood armoire from the first half of the 18th century, with bonnet top, raised panel doors, scalloped skirt and scrolled feet. Born in the middle of King Louis XV's reign, this exquisite French fruitwood armoire...

Late 18th century antique wardrobe armoire cupboard in solid wood. All in whitened solid larch the external part and walnut-colored internal p...

Dating from the mid-late 1700s, featuring three large brass hinges on each door, long detailed escutcheons, three interior shelves and three drawers, one with a key. Beautiful patina...

The rectangular plank top mounted with iron strap hinges, dated 1650.  

Beautifully carved walnut armoire from the Normandy region of France.

An extraordinarily tall mid-18th century Louis XV Provincial fruitwood narrow armoire/bonnetiere with a rectangular cornice. The frieze is centered by a...

A Fine French Louis XV period, carved, solid walnut , Bordelais Armoire that opens with two beautifully paneled doors.

An outstanding 18th Century Danish paint decorated and profusely carved kas or armoire, the double domed to with rich faux marble arched cove moldings, the front with two applied car...

A French late 18th century cherry armoire from Rennes with pierced cornice, floral and shell motifs. Born in the capital of the eastern region of Brittany, this French cherry armoire...

The veneer patterning is exceptional throughout and especially on the door panels, where it is matched on all four main panels. The cupboard is very early, but so beautifully made, i...

French Provincial Walnut two door hinged armoire with scrolled floral & shell carving , original polished steel hardware, brass escutcheons, and terminating on cabriole feet. Late 18...

The carved and pierced fretwork cornice above a pair of paneled doors with blind fretwork framing, the interior fitted for shelves and hanging (with one...

A fine Louis XV period buffet deux Corps, constructed in burled ash and cherry, with a gorgeous aged color and paneled doors on both sections. T...

Austrian Biedermeier Burl Walnut & Mahogany cask with carved molded edge cornice, flanking book matched hinged doors, tulip wood inlays, satinwood inlays, original steel engraved loc...

This charming Louis XV armoire is carved cherry with beautiful detailing. The cornice sits on a crown of carved vines and blossoms. The doors are inset with symmetrical and asymmetri...

The molded cornice above two raised paneled doors, opening to a shelved interior with two small drawers; above a carved frieze all resting on cabriole leg feet.

French Walnut inlaid star blind door cask with carved molded edge cornice, centered floral shell medallion, flanking intertwined ribbon, floral, fruit, and tassel motifs, original ir...

The inside of this armoire has two fixed shelves with side supports in the upper part for two additonal shelves if desired. The shelves are later replacements. There has been a reinf...

This French 18th century armoire in the Louis XV style has a fantastic dark oak finish and gorgeous hand carved details. This piece retains its original locking systems and one key. ...

Having a slender cornice atop a case with two doors and one wide drawer opening to reveal an interior with three shelves, the bottom having two small drawers, the original lock and k...

A fine walnut armoire with super original metal work, the panels in the doors with the unusual feature of having beautiful burr walnut. Great colour and patiation Possible Lyon regio...

18th Century French hand-carved walnut wardrobe with two doors.

18th century French Louis XV period armoire deux corps pantalonnier handcrafted of old growth French walnut by skilled artisans in the South of Fran...

The Van Mekeren cabinet: A Newly Discovered Pinnacle by the Master of Marquetry The highly important Dutch marquetry Van Mekeren cabinet Amsterdam, circa 1700, by Jan van Mekeren...

Magnificent 18th century French armoire.

Important intricately carved tall hand carved French walnut armoire a Deux corps four-door cabinet from France 17th century from the Renaissance p...

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...

Fine French 18th century Louis XV armoire constructed from very good quality walnut wood from the region of Lyon (style Lyonnaise). Exhibiting a stunning patina that offers rich character and charm. A classic of exceptional quality and craftsmanship! This armoire was traditionally given as a wedding gift to newly married couples. It is perfect for storing clothing, bed and bath linens...