19th Century Large European Folk-Art Decoration Chest / Box with Hand-Forged Iron Fittings

A beautifully decorative late 19th-century European hand-painted chest, hand-decorated in deep green with traditional folk-art motifs and original hand-forged iron hardware - a beautiful union of utility and artistry At a Glance - Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility • Date: 19th century      • Origin: Continental Europe   • Type: 19th-century European rectangular chest or box     • Material & Construction: Solid timber with original painted surface and hand-forged iron fittings Design & Features:- • Exterior: Dark green base with hand-painted stylised motifs in ochre, soft red, black, and cream tones • Interior: Plain painted grey with natural wear consistent with age   • Hardware: Retains original hand-forged iron handles on each end and corner strapping • Lid: Hinged lid • Delivery is not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote before completing your order Appeal & Use: • Rare survivor of late 19th-century European painted craftsmanship • Decorative statement piece retaining full integrity, with original paint and beautiful surface character and patina developed over time • Robust and versatile - ideal for display and/or functional storage • A smaller matching box of similar design and colour is also available Code: JW148  Antique European Folk-Art Decoration Chest/Box Dated 1897 - Hand-Forged Iron Fittings Heritage, Craftsmanship & Historical Note:- This substantial 19th-century European chest captures the artistry and craftsmanship that characterised vernacular furniture of its time. Constructed from solid timber and retaining its original painted decoration, it reflects the regional tradition of embellishing practical household objects with rich colour and stylised motifs. The dark green base is enlivened by hand-painted architectural and foliate designs in ochre, cream, and soft red - a palette that has mellowed gracefully over time. The chest’s robust form, sloping sides, and heavy forged-iron handles indicate it was intended for regular domestic use, perhaps for textiles, linens, or personal belongings. Its folk-art decoration, still remarkably intact, embodies both utility and ornament, demonstrating how everyday pieces were transformed by hand into enduring works of design. The interior, finished in pale grey, reveals the honest wear of age and use. The hand-forged hardware - including strap hinges and side handles - adds sculptural definition while maintaining full functionality. Its authenticity lies in its details: the brushstrokes, the worn edges, the soft lustre of aged timber beneath pigment. Explore Every Facet:- Viewed closely, the chest’s surface reveals layer upon layer of craftsmanship. The painted motifs - part geometric, part floral - are framed by fine gilt and black borders, lending visual depth to the design. The slightly timeworn edges expose flashes of timber beneath the paint, softening the overall effect and creating the distinctive patina only achievable through natural ageing. The ironwork, hand-shaped and individually forged, bears subtle hammer marks that underscore the handmade quality of the piece. Whether viewed frontally or from above, the decorative symmetry and strong proportions give the chest a commanding yet harmonious presence. Our images form an essential part of the condition report for complete purchasing confidence, ensuring a true visual record of its character and craftsmanship.  Styling Suggestions:- This large painted chest makes a striking focal point in both period and contemporary interiors. It can serve as a storage trunk at the foot of a bed, beneath a console, or as a coffee table alternative in a rustic sitting room. Its rich tones and ornamental detail add character to neutral schemes and pair beautifully with stone, linen, or oak surfaces. Display it alongside the smaller companion chest for visual balance and continuity, or let it stand alone as a statement of timeless folk craftsmanship. Sustainable Style - Thank you for considering antique furniture - a choice that honours both design and the environment…in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures Sustainability begins with what already exists; this 19th Century Large European Folk-Art Decoration Chest/Box with Hand-Forged Iron Fittings exemplifies the sustainable elegance of vernacular craftsmanship. Their continued relevance speaks to the timeless utility of well-made tools, and their survival ensures that restoration skills and historical knowledge remain alive and valued. Purchase with Confidence:- At White’s Antiques, every piece is described and photographed with care, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and successful business serving both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our shop at 53 High Street, Arundel, and our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections first-hand, explore the stories behind each antique, and appreciate these timeless treasures in person.