Offered as part of the bride's dowry by her father, this natural oak chest adorned with tulips and a country bouquet served two purposes in the 18th century: to hold the personal effects of the young bride and to allow the couple to sit at the foot of their bed in complete intimacy. Hence its name "end-of-bed chest."
Offered as part of the bride's dowry by her father, this natural oak chest adorned with tulips and a country bouquet served two purposes in the 18th century: to hold the personal effects of the young bride and to allow the couple to sit at the foot of their bed in complete intimacy. Hence its name "end-of-bed chest."
Natural Oak End-of-Bed Chest – 18th Century – South West – [MP046]
A rather uncommon finish for its time, the 18th century, this end-of-bed chest was simply protected with a beeswax patina, which has allowed its original light oak shade to be preserved.
A rather uncommon finish for its time, the 18th century, this end-of-bed chest was simply protected with a beeswax patina, which has allowed its original light oak shade to be preserved.
Simple and delicate, this end-of-bed chest is so even in its central motif: a carved country bouquet around the keyhole, and on either side of the vase, two initials, M and P. Likely the initials of the two fiancés for whom this end-of-bed chest was commissioned in Aquitaine in the 18th century, on the eve of their wedding celebration.
Simple and delicate, this end-of-bed chest is so even in its central motif: a carved country bouquet around the keyhole, and on either side of the vase, two initials, M and P. Likely the initials of the two fiancés for whom this end-of-bed chest was commissioned in Aquitaine in the 18th century, on the eve of their wedding celebration.

Dimensions:
Width: 126 cm, Height: 56 cm, Depth: 62 cm
Reference: [MP046]

The proportions of this oak chest were designed in such a way that it could be placed in a bedroom, at the end of a bed, to store clothes or cushions, and to comfortably sit for undressing, taking off shoes, or simply conversing in privacy. Hence its name “end-of-bed chest”.
Its front features a carved country bouquet in the center, surrounded by recessed panels adorned with a tulip motif. These panels are also found on the sides, this time equipped with carrying handles. The dovetail assembly of the case is clearly visible on each corner.
The transparent wax finish has preserved the natural hue of this light oak, allowing this end-of-bed chest to seamlessly integrate into our present-day interiors.
It’s worth noting that there are two initials on either side of the bouquet, M and P. These are likely the initials of the two fiancés for whom this end-of-bed chest was commissioned in Aquitaine in the 18th century, on the eve of their wedding celebration. It’s important to recall that at the time, this chest constituted the bride’s dowry where she would press all her linen before moving into the marital home.

A remnant of the era when chests were the "Middle Ages suitcases," transported in convoys by knights for battles or Crusades, this chest features two transport handles inserted into the recessed panels that adorn each of its sides.
A remnant of the era when chests were the "Middle Ages suitcases," transported in convoys by knights for battles or Crusades, this chest features two transport handles inserted into the recessed panels that adorn each of its sides.

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