An Extremely Fine and Rare Elizabethan Oak Cupboard on Stand

The single board top, above a guilloche carved frieze, supported on beautifully turned pillars, which again have a guilloche and petal carved design. Behind the pillars are two very well-carved doors – the panels with a central flower head, surrounded by tight scrolling foliage and set within a complicated run-moulded frame. 

The centre muntin and outer frame is decorated with deeply carved petals, within continual joined circles (a device which is repeated in the drawer fronts and end panels). 

Below the cupboard is a very bold, deep waist moulding, which sits above a side-hung drawer, with an unusual “checkerboard” decoration to each side, which is again repeated on the back legs.

The front supports are really outstanding – beautifully turned, and carved with tapering “flutes” (known as a fluted leg, a detail of the late 16th century). 

The boarded pot shelf at the base rests on a very well-shaped and pierced bottom rail. 

An extremely rare piece of early English furniture.

Wonderful proportions, colour and patination.

South, possibly south-west England – Exeter, circa 1580-1600.

Width 46 inches, height 47 inches, depth 23 inches.

Ref 3002