Extraordinary 17th Century Necessaire a Secrets

Stock Number: 3564

Extraordinary 17th Century Necessaire a Secrets or betrothal coffer, the exterior painstakingly dry scraped back to the original painted finish. the interior each drawer individually painted with charming naive scenes. A further secret compartment found beyond the first layer of drawers. This delightful box is most likely associated with marriage, given as a gift upon betrothal or marriage. Often filled with small gifts and meant to hold the small valuable possessions of the wife. Highly ambitious construction. with hidden compartments and drawers. Interestingly this coffer was found in aged but not original exterior black paint, a process often carried out when the original owner passes, during mourning personal items were painted in black. This was painstakingly dry scraped back to the original paint. A similar configured example is found in The Folk Art Collection of Elie and Viola Nadelman Inv. 8523 Alsace, France Circa 1620.
Dimensions: 35cm (H) x 42cm (W) x 30cm (D)    Show in inches

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£2600.00