19th Century Country French Armoire Du Marriage from Normandie

Price: $7,980

19th Century Country French Armoire Du Marriage from Normandie was a traditional gift to a newly wed couple that dates back hundreds of years in France!  This one is a particularly wonderful example of skilled rural craftsmanship wed with select indigenous white oak to create a master work that was literally designed to last for centuries!  The bold crown appears over the bonnet which has been lavished with wildflower sprays in relief, centered with a bold sculpture of a basket brimming with fresh fruit symbolizing fertility, upon which is perched a pair of kissing lovebirds symbolizing the union.  Directly underneath appear the doors, which are singular works of art unto themselves!  Topped with full relief bouquets of sunflowers and foliage which projects out and above the door frame, each door is lavished with French scrolls that surround the panels accentuated with wildflowers.  Most notable are the panels at the center, which consist of tilted ovals festooned with symbols of the grape harvest, flanked by more wildflowers for which the region is particularly blessed.  Even the center stile which is attached to the left door has received the full attentions of the sculptor's hand.  Doors are hung with single, full length steel barrel hinges, allowing them to open wide making for easy access, revealing the fully provisioned interior with four surfaces and three shelves.  The amazingly intricate pierced steel key guards are truly remarkable.  The apron below finishes out the eloquent display with a neoclassical urn, drapery motifs and even more wildflowers, flanked by finely carved and scrolled legs.  A truly impressive specimen!
Circa 1860s
Measures 91H x 68W x 23D