French Provincial Wardrobes and Armoires

A wooden cabinet from France, circa 1800. Scalloped panels gift the cabinet a graceful symmetry, while the deep sable color of the wood, accentuated by a rich polish, lends a somber,...

Beautiful condition, see pictures. Dimensions individual elements: Mirror: height 89cm, width 44cm, depth 2cm. Cupboard: height 110cm, width 59cm, depth 17.5m. Chest of drawe...

Early 19th century country French Armoire is a prime example of one of the most important historical developments in the world of furniture. Back before the days of closets in every ...

This French oak armoire, made circa 1860, imparts the distinguished air of classical antiquity. The cabinet adopts an upright shape accentuated by the mitered corners of the molded c...

This striking solid oak armoire from France, dating back to the late 18th or early 19th century, is both beautiful and unique. Its rare dismantling feature enhances its practicality,...

French Provincial (18th Century) two door large scale armoire in walnut with original hardware and shield, bird, and foliate carving on cornice.  

This is a beautifully carved piece with handsome nature motifs.

Very fine traditional antique French armoire with a useful and hard to come by 12” depth. A carved bonnet over a frieze with carved cross motif. With the Classic shaped and carved bu...

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.

20th century French Provincial style walnut armoire by John Widdicomb, marked with plaque. Behind two doors: Upper area is fitted with rail to hold hanging clothes. Plus two adjus...

French Provincial 18th century walnut carved armoire with double scroll top and 2 doors with carved border.

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...

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...

French Provincial (18th Century) walnut carved 2 door armoire with center oval medallion with initials and draped with a carved wreath and bow knot.

1890s antique painted Provencal library cabinet, cupboard, wardrobe in massive wood, restored and wax polished. The lacquer in shades of gray purplish are original and only retouched...

A lovely French armoire in walnut with arched bonnet, fluted astragal between the two paneled doors with parquetry decorating the middle panel of each, and resting on carved escargot...

French Provincial (18/19th Century) walnut armoire cabinet with 3 drawers at bottom and doors with wire mesh panels.

This sublime corner cabinet (meaning its cornice stops on the right side) is intended for its right side to be positioned against a wall. It is therefore a corner cabinet from the 19...

Grand proportions and beautiful panelling make this antique oak armoire a magnificent find. Made in France circa 1800 in the style of Louis XIV, th...

***Ask About Reduced In-House Shipping Rates - Reliable Service & Fully Insured*** A French Provincial wardrobe offers painted wood construction having rose accents with double doors...

Antique French Carved Bonnetiere Armoire Cabinet Brittany Breton Ship Spindle. Direct from France, a lovely antique French armoire or “bonnetiere” cabinet, with gorgeous hand carvin...

Impressive in stature, the 19th Century French Bleached Oak Armoire exudes grandeur and timeless allure. Opening its two doors reveal...

This elegant 19th century Belgian oak armoire was crafted in 1800 and is a timeless piece of that period. This remarkable piece encapsulates the un...

Elegant, eye-catching and beautifully crafted, this antique oak armoire casts an enchanting spell. Made in Belgium in the early 19th Century, the design combines a dramatic silhouett...

Step into the enchanting world of the 19th century with this exquisite oak wardrobe, a true testament to the artistry and elegance of French craftsmanship. Crafted with precision and...

A 19th century oak armoire produced in France, this majestic wooden chest marries the picturesque to the elegant. Crowned by a molded top, the craftily carved front stands on tiptoed...

A bleached oak armoire from France, produced circa 1800. A towering armoire standing nearly eight feet tall and stretching over six and a half fee...

Regally poised like an ancient pillar, this armoire was made in Belgium circa 1800. Sturdily supported by its biomorphic feet, the vintage chest boas...

A French Transitional style armoire / linen press by Karges, of Evansville, Indiana, USA. Solid wood with distressed gold finish, metal hardware, ornately carved pediment top and bra...

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...

Beautiful hand-painted wardrobe from early 19th century in great condition. There are two doors, three shelves inside and two elegant drawers on the bottom as well. This lovely piece is a part of a full bedroom set...