DESCRIPTION

An exceptional late 17th century Spanish Basque oak and pine polychrome painted linen press or housekeeper's cupboard, dating from around 1680.

The cupboard is surmounted by a shallow moulded cornice above a pair of richly decorated upper doors and matching lower doors, all retaining striking geometric and fielded polychrome painted decoration in warm ochre, green, terracotta and black tones. The doors are divided by a boldly carved central muntin and fitted with traditional iron furniture, opening to reveal a shelved interior. Three large iron keys are supplied, operating the original locks.

Spanish painted cupboards of this quality and scale are becoming increasingly difficult to source. The survival of such extensive painted decoration, combined with its impressive proportions and practical storage, makes this an exceptional decorative and functional statement piece. Equally suited to a period country house, contemporary interior or designer project, it is a rare example of late 17th century Spanish vernacular furniture.

DIMENSIONS

Height: 190 cm

Width: 152 cm

Depth: 66 cm

CONDITION

Presented in good, honest antique condition consistent with over 300 years of age.

The cupboard displays the expected marks, knocks, scratches and age-related wear associated with centuries of use. The original painted decoration remains remarkably intact overall, with areas of rubbing, craquelure, small losses and historic overpainting, including later ebonising to the top.

There have been historic restorations, including replacement rear boards together with some later bearers, braces and repairs to the end supports. There is evidence of historic, inactive woodworm, principally to the rear uprights.

The three original locks are present and are accompanied by their working iron keys. The doors require a slight lift and push when closing to engage the locks correctly, which is typical of furniture of this age.

Overall, this is a structurally sound and exceptionally decorative example that retains tremendous character and originality.

17th Century Spanish Basque Polychrome Painted Oak Housekeeper’s Cupboard

Name: 17th Century Spanish Basque Polychrome Painted Oak Housekeeper’s Cupboard
Price: 2495 GBP
Availability: InStock

£2,495.00

Enquire about this item:

ABOUT ALSO

Thank you for viewing this piece from Also Antique Furniture.

We carefully select antique furniture and decorative objects for their quality, craftsmanship, character and individuality. Our tastes are broad, and we’re happy to be led by the piece rather than a particular period or style. Above all, we choose things we genuinely admire and would be happy to have in our own home.

Every item is individually inspected, researched and professionally photographed, with clear descriptions and honest condition reports to help you buy with confidence.

We believe good furniture should have a long life. Choosing antique keeps well-made furniture and existing materials in use, and we favour sympathetic restoration that preserves the patina and character acquired over generations.

VIEWING

Viewing is welcome by appointment at our premises in North Yorkshire, on the border with Lancashire. If there is anything you would like to know before purchasing, we are always happy to answer questions or provide additional photographs.

DELIVERY & COLLECTION

Collection is welcome by arrangement.

We can usually arrange delivery throughout mainland UK using trusted independent couriers, charged at cost. As a general guide, delivery for an average-sized chest of drawers is typically £80–£100. Larger items and more remote locations will incur higher charges.

Most deliveries are completed within approximately two weeks, although faster delivery may sometimes be available. Please contact us with your postcode for a delivery quotation before purchasing.

AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION

We strive to describe every item as accurately and honestly as possible. Statements regarding age, attribution, origin and provenance are offered in good faith and represent our professional opinion based on the information available at the time of listing.

As all of our items are antique or vintage, signs of age and use should be expected. Old repairs, knocks, wear, variations in colour and other minor imperfections are often part of a piece’s history and character. Where condition affects its integrity, appearance or usefulness, we will endeavour to make this clear in the description.