Central European, probably Hungarian or Transylvanian, circa 1880–1900

A substantial late nineteenth-century painted pine blanket chest of traditional folk-art form, retaining its original hand-painted decoration featuring stylised birds, tulips, hearts and scrolling foliage against a vibrant olive-green ground. Constructed in solid pine with hand-cut dovetail joints, moulded base, original wrought iron carrying handles and a lift-up lid enclosing a spacious interior.

The interior retains its original fitted till with two small drawers, an attractive and increasingly uncommon feature, providing useful storage for documents or valuables. The chest offers generous practical storage while making a striking decorative statement.

The painted surface displays an appealing aged patina with genuine wear consistent with its age, giving the piece considerable character. Beautiful decorative paper has been applied to the underside of the lid and the internal lid support braces has been painted with a lovely deep bottle green to add a modern interiors touch to the chest.

Condition

Presented in good antique condition with age-related wear consistent with over 120 years of use.

The chest displays an attractive, naturally aged painted surface with genuine patina throughout. There is expected rubbing, scuffing and paint wear to the edges, corners and high points, together with a more noticeable area of paint loss and surface wear to the top near the centre of the lid but does not detract from the lovely chest. These marks are commensurate with age and contribute to the chest's authentic character. The original lock has been removed somewhere down the line but does not detract from the use or aesthetics at all

The chest remains structurally sound with a well-fitting hinged lid, original iron carrying handles and the original internal till with two drawers intact.

Price breakdown: Painted Eastern Europe blanket chest - £1045, Courier/Delivery Fee UK MAINLAND ONLY - £80