Substantial Swedish Marriage Chest Dated 1744

A beautiful Swedish marriage chest, hand painted in a gorgeous soft green with orange, blue and black patterning to the front, sides and domed top.

The chest is a substantial and heavy one, complete with the original ironwork, with handles on both ends and with the original, working lock and key.

The interior has the original strap work hinges, both with decorative heart details. One hinge has the initials ANO and MG and the hexafoil symbol, with the other hinge having the date 1744 and possibly further initials, they're difficult to make out. The ANO could relate to the year eg anno 1744. MG most likely represents the Bride or Groom's initials. Traditionally, marriage chests were filled with dowry items including fine linens. The hexafoil is a protective symbol, also a symbol for purity and good luck.

The interior has the original candle box with lid, and interestingly a previous owner has pasted a magazine image of the marriage of Crown Princess Magrethe of Denmark and Count Henri de Laborde de Monpezat in Copenhagen on 10th June 1967 to the lid.

Marriage chests tended to be passed down through families and this one has been painted in the traditional style with additional initials and the date 1840 to the exterior.

It's a stunning and still extremely useful piece of furniture.

Length 140cm

Width 65cm

Height 72cm

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