Antique 1827 Scandinavian Wedding Dowry Coffer Chest | Original Folk Art Painted

This is an antique wedding chest from Scandinavia, original folk painted all over with the initials of the betrothed "NPD" on the front and the date 1827. Incredible condition for just shy of 200 years, still going very strong. A very large, heavy and beautiful piece.

Condition: Excellent. Expected wear from age such as minor scratches and paint fade however there are no structural faults at all. Just missing the middle iron belt and the key. Both of these things do not effect the use or the structural integrity and strength of the piece.

Features:

Candle box inside

Original folk art painted

Wrought iron fittings that were hand forged. Handles on each side to lift.

Very heavy and large.

Size: 140cm x 59cm

There is a lot to say about this one so please keep reading if you're interested to learn more about it and the history:

Wedding chests are a centuries old tradition, also known as "hope" chests or coffers amongst other names — they are possibly the most quintessential item of so-called peasant furniture from all over regions of Europe. They were made to be filled with a special collection of goods like linens, family heirloom and jewellery; a dowry to gift the bride-to-be, along with other essential household items that she would use and share with her husband in their home. The purpose of the box was to set them up for their new life together. The dome top was more difficult to make and its purpose was for weather proofing when traveling, so this was likely intended to transport personal goods on long journeys via wagon or ship, which is possibly how it came here. The folk imagery on this one is mostly floral with tulips motifs, initials of betrothed and the date, but often these wedding chests can also depict religious symbolism or specific birds and flowers that signify totems of prosperity, good fortune, fertility and love. Often they were also accompanied by other folk painted furniture if the family was wealthy enough to commission so, to gift their daughter. A dowry box or wedding chest as this, would essentially come with the bride, so it was full of useful and prized possessions for her new life, and it became an heirloom in its own right.

Please message me if you'd like to know any thing more. Alternatively you can also look up antique European folk art wedding/dowry boxes and you'll see prices, styles, stories etc. This is a stunning example of an early 19th c. wedding box. Perfect one to display in your home, for storage, stylists, photo shoots... this is an endlessly useful piece of beautiful history.

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