Charles II carved oak and walnut chest of drawers

Charles II carved oak and walnut chest of drawers.

An unusual Charles II period oak and walnut chest of drawers; the three graduated drawers decorated with bold geometric mouldings flanked by barley twist pilasters; having panelled ends and raised on the original turned bun feet. Stamped EB at the top of the pilasters.

Circa 1680.

This Carolean chest of drawers retains a wonderful colour and patination and its decoration is particularly idiosyncratic. The ornamentation of the drawer fronts seems to use every style of the period: the top drawer has a plain moulded front, the middle projects boldly and the bottom drawer has a geometric design and I love the manner in which the barley twist pilasters is picked up in the design of the middle drawer. The barley twist pilasters are beautifully crisp and the cabinet-maker has gone to the extra effort of panelling the ends of the chest. Clearly the cabinet-maker who created this chest intended it for a discerning client for display rather than merely being a piece of functional furniture.