Italian Chest, XVIth Century.

This very beautiful 16th century chest is veneered with sheet metal decorated with embossed friezes of vine branches, vases and griffins, arabesque friezes and floral volutes. The domed cover has a broken top. On the front and on the top, three reserves framed by large metal bands have embossed leathers painted in the style of Venice, the panels are decorated in polychrome with fleshy flowers. Framed on either side of each reserve is a small vertical leaf garland. This chest is on all sides, the back is covered with three leathers with floral decoration and bordered with vegetable garlands. Offered as a wedding gift, these chests which appeared in Europe during the Middle Ages were used to store the dowry, the trousseau and the most precious objects that the young bride possessed. Embossed and painted leathers are a Venetian specialty. From the 15th century there is an important production of panels intended to cover the walls, they are decorated with arabesques, characters, flowers ... In the 16th century the use extends to everyday objects, chests, boxes, coating table, bindings ... In excellent condition this piece of furniture has its old lock, but it no longer has its key, the interior is lined with an already old canvas but which is undoubtedly not original . Origin Venice. Sixteenth century period. dimensions length 132 cm, depth 45 cm, height 60 cm.