Impressive Dutch Carved Oak Bombé Display Cabinet on Chest c.1840

An imposing and highly decorative 19th-century Dutch oak cabinet on chest, dating to circa 1840, of particularly striking architectural form and generous proportions. The upper section is enclosed by a pair of glazed doors, flanked by glazed canted sides and opening to reveal a shelved interior. The elaborate shaped cornice is richly carved throughout, centred by a carved heraldic shield and embellished with scrolling foliage, leaf ornament and classical detailing. The bombé lower section is fitted with three working drawers, each exceptionally decorated with deeply carved narrative scenes depicting rural and agricultural life. These charming panels include horse-drawn carts, figures at work, farm buildings, trees, animals and wildlife, creating an almost continuous pictorial account of country life. Further carved decoration extends around the sides of the cabinet, including a particularly attractive heraldic lion. Standing on substantial carved paw feet, the cabinet has been given a soft bleached and washed finish, which beautifully highlights the depth and detail of the carving while giving the piece a lighter, more contemporary appearance. A wonderfully decorative piece of Dutch furniture, combining impressive scale, craftsmanship and an unusual wealth of figurative carving. Despite its considerable size, the pale finish allows it to work particularly well in both traditional and contemporary interiors, where it would make a magnificent display cabinet in a dining room, drawing room or large entrance hall.