19th Century Gothic Chest in Oak Wood, North of Castile

Chest in oak wood, Gothic Style, 19th century. XVIII – North of Castile

Exquisite ark made of oak wood, carved in Gothic style with keyholes and hinges in cast and wrought iron. This chest has an elongated rectangular body in which the front panel has carved ornamentation in the form of a fenestration, geometric and vegetal design, in the Gothic style. It is configured in two windows with Gothic arches on each side, and a small rose window with a flower in the central area, under the keyhole. The lid, sides and bottom have no carved decorations. This top cover opens thanks to its original iron hinges. The interior offers a large storage space, historically used to store clothing and blankets. The solid and robust chest has beautiful aging throughout the wood, good patina.

The ark or chest is a typology typical of the Middle Ages and the most common until the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century. It was not only used to store clothes and household utensils, but also as a seat, table and bed depending on the dimensions. The ark could be made of wood carved with motifs taken from Gothic architecture, or made of engraved leather and openwork and chiseled iron in reinforcements, angles and locks. In the 17th century in Castile, walnut chests were very common in the Valladolid area, and when they were made further north they were made of chestnut or oak.

Dimensions: 47 x 104 x 34 cm.