17Th Century Spanish Basque Polychrome Painted Housekeeper’S Cupboard

An exceptional late 17th century Spanish Basque oak and pine polychrome painted linen press or housekeeper's cupboard, dating from around 1680.

The cupboard is surmounted by a shallow moulded cornice above a pair of richly decorated upper doors and matching lower doors, all retaining striking geometric and fielded polychrome painted decoration in warm ochre, green, terracotta and black tones. The doors are divided by a boldly carved central muntin and fitted with traditional iron furniture, opening to reveal a shelved interior. Three large iron keys are supplied, operating the original locks.

Spanish painted cupboards of this quality and scale are becoming increasingly difficult to source. The survival of such extensive painted decoration, combined with its impressive proportions and practical storage, makes this an exceptional decorative and functional statement piece. Equally suited to a period country house, contemporary interior or designer project, it is a rare example of late 17th century Spanish vernacular furniture.

DIMENSIONS

Height: 190 cm

Width: 152 cm

Depth: 66 cm

CONDITION

Presented in good, honest antique condition consistent with over 300 years of age. The cupboard displays the expected marks, knocks, scratches and age-related wear associated with centuries of use. The original painted decoration remains remarkably intact overall, with areas of rubbing, craquelure, small losses and historic overpainting. There have been historic restorations, including replacement rear boards together with some later bearers, braces and repairs to the end supports. There is evidence of historic, inactive woodworm, principally to the rear uprights. The three original locks are present and are accompanied by their working iron keys. The doors require a slight lift and push when closing to engage the locks correctly, which is typical of furniture of this age.

Overall, this is a structurally sound and exceptionally decorative example that retains tremendous character and originality.