Diminutive 17th century William and Mary Olive Oyster Miniature Chest of Drawers 1

Definitive 17th century William and Mary Olive Oyster Miniature Chest of Drawers

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Diminutive 17th century William and Mary Olive Oyster Miniature Chest of Drawers 3

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Diminutive 17th century William and Mary Olive Oyster Miniature Chest of Drawers

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Diminutive 17th century William and Mary Olive Oyster Miniature Chest of Drawers

From the reign of King William & Queen Mary (1688-1702) England.

The finely crossbanded and cross-grain moulded top is beautifully veneered in roundels of hand-cut olive oysters and lined in boxwood stringing in a geometric form. Over two short and two long graduating oak lined drawers, each veneered in oysters of olive and crossbanded. The top drawers opening on hidden spring catches. Similarly, the sides are also beautifully veneered in oysters of olive and vertically banded in figured long-grain olive.

It should be noted that Miniature or ‘toy’ chests from 17th century England are extremely rare and no rarer than one veneered in olive oysters. To our knowledge, this chest is the only example available to purchase in the world.

Personal comments – Quite possibly one of the most charming pieces of late 17th century English furniture we have ever encountered. This important miniature olive oyster ‘toy’ chest is quite simply a masterpiece and incorporates all of the features associated with the period 1680-1700. It is likely that it also retains its original key, with handwritten pen and ink tag “Toy chest of Drawers”.