Beautiful bridal chest leads Bonhams oak sale

A wonderfully ornate George II polychrome-painted bridal chest, made in the Channel Islands during the early 17th century, will lead Bonhams Oak Interior Sale next month in London.

With an estimate of £30,000-40,000, the paint-decorated chest-on-stand has a vibrant and bold design, which first appeared on leather-covered bridal trunks created around 1690-1760. Almost certainly a dowry chest, the decoration includes symbolic betrothal decoration in the form of carnations and roses. The chest forms an important link between British/European and American furniture traditions, both in terms of their decoration and construction.

Bonhams Senior Specialist in Oak Furniture, David Houlston commented, “The bridal chest is one of at least five recorded related examples made in the same workshop and painted by the same hand. However, this is the only one constructed entirely of oak, the others being principally pine, with ash or oak legs.”

Other highlights in the sale on September 20 include:
An impressive James I oak court cupboard, circa 1615, estimated at £15,000-20,000.
A rare and highly unusual James I joined oak panel-back open armchair, dated 1626, is estimated at £15,000-20,000.
A rare George III painted pine and astragal glazed breakfront fully enclosed high dresser from the West Country, circa 1760, carries an estimate of £12,000-18,000.
An exceptionally rare joined oak and walnut billiard table, English, circa 1700 is expected to achieve £10,000-15,000.