Description
This large chest stands on high legs prolonging the lateral jambs. Presenting a sober and severe appearance the chest still belongs to the Medieval tradition. The piece is made from very high quality Hungarian wood.
The jambs are joined to the facade and the lateral sides thanks to pegged mortise and tenon securing a gret stability and squareness between each parts. The upper lid is made of two joined parts and so is the facade.
The ironwork is present all over the surface of the chest and brings both an additional stability to the construction as well as a rich decor. The lid is secured with hinges. Hinges also run all over the chest in horizontal and vertical lines, ending in a floral motif. The hasp lock is also very ornamental.
Those chests always present important proportions especially when their making take place early in the period. This model was very popular in Germany and stayed in vogue until the 16th century. However the feet Gothic decor – vegetal scroll with a thistle and a fruit – allows us to date this chest from the late 15th century.
This chest can be compared to a similar chest kept in the collections of Heidelberg Kurpfalziches Museum.
Chests from this period are extremely rare and this one is extraordinarily well preserved.