Antique European Folk-Art Decoration Chest / Box Dated 1897 - Hand-Forged Iron Fittings

A decorative late 19th-century European chest dated 1897 chest, hand-painted in deep green and ochre tones with ornate decorative folk-art design and original hand-forged iron fittings - a charming fusion of function and folk artistry At a Glance - Appeal, Desirability & Collectability • Date: Dated 1897 (on the lid)      • 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 Solid timber, rough-cut from a single tree trunk • Exterior: Dark green base with hand-painted stylised motifs in ochre, 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 with an old, stable historic crack, adding character Delivery is not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote before completing your order Appeal & Use: • Compact and decorative, ideal for display or functional storage • Retains full integrity, with surface character and patina developed over time • Beautiful example of late 19th-century European painted craftsmanship • A larger matching of similar design and colour is also available Heritage, Craftsmanship & Historical Note:- This appealing late 19th-century European chest or storage box combines practical form with a decorative hand-painted surface that embodies regional folk-art traditions. Dated 1897, it reflects a period when even utilitarian domestic pieces were crafted and adorned with great care. The sloped sides, hinged lid, and sturdy construction indicate it was built for household or personal storage, while the decorative panels - painted in earthy greens and ochres with soft architectural motifs - reveal a vernacular aesthetic drawn from Central or Eastern European design influences. The original forged iron hardware remains intact, including shaped handles and corner straps, adding both strength and ornamental contrast to the painted timber. The interior, painted in a pale grey wash, shows light surface wear consistent with honest use. The historic split across the lid is now stable and visually balanced within the patina of age. Together, these elements create a charming and authentic survival from the late 1800s - a decorative and functional piece that speaks quietly of its maker’s skill and the artistry of everyday objects. Explore Every Facet:- The detailed imagery highlights the chest’s distinctive paintwork - symmetrical, arch-like patterns framing stylised floral forms, outlined in gilt and black against the deep green background. Subtle craquelure across the surface catches the light, revealing the texture of both brush and timber beneath. The metalwork, hand-forged and lightly patinated, contrasts beautifully with the painted decoration, offering tactile authenticity. Each panel displays nuanced colour variation where age, wear, and pigment have naturally blended, producing an appealingly time-softened palette that enhances the piece’s decorative value.  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 small chest offers versatility in both period and contemporary interiors. Use it as a tabletop accent, under-console storage, or as a decorative feature at the end of a bed or hallway bench. Its strong design and manageable scale make it equally suited for displaying collections, housing textiles, or adding a layer of warmth and texture to a curated interior. Paired with rustic woods, natural linens, or more refined pieces, it contributes depth, narrative, and authenticity. For those drawn to European painted furniture or vernacular design, it offers both charm and integrity. 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 Antique European Painted Chest or Box Dated 1897 - Hand-Forged Iron Fittings & Folk-Art Decoration 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 firsthand, explore the stories behind each antique, and appreciate these timeless treasures in person.