Hand-carved in Brittany, France, circa 1860, this chestnut wood trunk has had the original finish removed at some point. The ornamentation of the trunk is minimal, with the most noticeable carving being the slightly raised concentric roundels on the front. There are two roundels, with the larger one interrupting the thin molding of the recessed front panel. The edges of the top have also been carved with quarter round molding and subtle canted front corners. Interestingly, the entire top does not lift, but rather just the center section, which is 40 ¾” W.
Most of the carved elements can be found on the shaped apron and two small cabriole feet in the front (there are two block feet in the back). The center of the apron is linear, but it is flanked by a pair of arbalete carvings, each with a floret center surrounded by volutes. Both sides are linear with a recessed center panel. The trunk has been joined by square dowels, which are now visible because the finish has been stripped.
Our chestnut wood trunk can be placed at the foot of a bed and used to store linens and blankets. The subtle carvings and neutral colored wood allow it to be paired with numerous interior design styles.
CONDITION: Good antique condition, with minor age separations and losses. Light traces of old wood worm with a small stain on the top. Slight remnants of the original finish and old repairs, commensurate to age.