19th Century Oak and Marquetry Geometric Chest

A highly decorative late-19th-century oak and marquetry chest of drawers, created in the manner of 17th-century furniture and displaying the richly architectural character associated with Victorian antiquarian or “Wardour Street” pieces.

The chest contains four substantial graduated drawers, each cleverly arranged as two geometric panels and fitted with twin brass drop handles around a central decorative escutcheon.

Particularly striking are the marquetry panels depicting stylised birds, scrolling foliage and fantastical creatures, their warm golden colour standing proudly against the darker oak.

The panelled top, moulded cornice and substantial plinth base complete the architectural appearance, with the chest raised on compressed bun feet. The oak has developed a rich colour and appealing surface character throughout.

A wonderfully individual piece of furniture: practical, highly decorative and full of the romantic historicism so admired during the Victorian period.

The back is formed from broad oak boards and displays considerable age, wear and historic markings. The chest appears to incorporate earlier timber and was probably assembled or substantially reworked during the 19th century in the antiquarian tradition associated with Wardour Street furniture.

Presented in good decorative antique condition, with honest wear, marks, timber shrinkage and movement commensurate with age. The top displays historic splits and age-related undulation, while the drawers show expected wear from use. Historic alterations, repairs or incorporated earlier timber are possible, consistent with furniture of this antiquarian type. Please study the photographs, which form part of the description.

Date: Circa 1880
Period: Late Victorian
Style: Seventeenth-century revival
Material: Oak, contrasting timber marquetry and metal fittings
Dimensions:[H98cm × W102cm × D59cm]