16th Century Walnut Pokerwork Coffer or Marriage Chest

A stunning piece of 16th century furniture, it is rare to find such an early piece of this quality. It has some fabulous decoration in pokerwork and fretwork relief and continues to be a sturdy, functional piece of storage furniture which can be used in any room of the house. - Decoration on the top shows naked figures, some of them winged, reclining and playing musical instruments. - The front panels show fashionably dressed men and women in the landscape, with a central heraldry device. - Each side has a pokerwork design of a large cat. - The quality suggests that this may have been a cassone, or Italian marriage chest. - Iron handles at each end. - Internal candle box. - Lovely smell from the inside. In good condition showing wear consistent with age and use. For a piece that is around 450 years old, this continues to be a clean, sturdy storage option. There is some historical woodworm around the base, as to be expected, with some relatively minor damage from this at the back right side. Date: Circa 1580 Material: Walnut Origin: Italy Height – 57 cm Width – 118 cm Depth – 52 cm Newark Antiques & Interiors, Kelham Rd, Newark NG24 1BX. Opening hours: Mon - Fri 8.30 - 17.00 Sat & Sun 10.00 - 16.00