European Folk Art Painted Pine Chest c.1887

European Folk Art Painted Pine Chest. This is an unusual piece, the chest has been partly stripped back revealing wonderful painted decoration, much of this seems to have been lost either when it was repainted or when it was stripped, but there is still a considerable amount of the original design to see especially on the front. Also the chest has some decorative iron work and is dated 1887, so it is probably a marriage or dower chest and 1887 is the wedding date, the top is made from 2 planks and has cleated edges. The chest stands on small plinth feet and has a candle box inside, there is also remains of a painted pattern inside the lid. The chest is made in solid pine and is sound, it has had woodworm in the past this is treated and dead.