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William and Mary Oysterwood Chest
William and Mary Oysterwood Chest
William and Mary Oysterwood Chest
William and Mary Oysterwood Chest
William and Mary Oysterwood Chest
William and Mary Oysterwood Chest

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William and Mary Oysterwood Chest

  • This William and Mary-period chest beautifully illustrates the art of oyster veneering
  • Skillfully crafted, the chest features bun feet and bronze pulls
  • Period William and Mary furnishings are rare, especially of such exceptional beauty and condition
  • Get complete item description here
$44,500
Item No. 31-6718

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Description
This William and Mary-period chest is distinguished by oyster veneering and circular inlay. Intersecting circles are inlaid into the veneers on the drawer fronts and on top of the chest, and the veneers have aged to a rich and warm patina. The practice of "oyster" veneering was a painstaking process used on only the finest pieces meant for the wealthiest clientele. In this process, paper-thin cross-sections cut from the roots and small branches of trees,. . .
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This William and Mary-period chest is distinguished by oyster veneering and circular inlay. Intersecting circles are inlaid into the veneers on the drawer fronts and on top of the chest, and the veneers have aged to a rich and warm patina. The practice of "oyster" veneering was a painstaking process used on only the finest pieces meant for the wealthiest clientele. In this process, paper-thin cross-sections cut from the roots and small branches of trees, their concentric rings resembling oyster shells, were laid side by side, producing a dramatic decorative effect. Elevated on bun feet, the chest's exceptional design also incorporates fine bronze pulls and locks. Comparatively few period examples of this quality and condition are available today, making this an exceptional find.

Though the reign of William and Mary lasted only a few short years, they ushered in a distinctive style of furniture and furniture making that still bears their name. Characterized by dramatic oyster wood veneers and distinctive cross banding, William and Mary furnishings represented a more refined way of living, replacing heavy and often cumbersome pieces of furniture from the previous decades. 

Circa 1690

38" wide x 22 1/2" deep x 36" high
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William and Mary Oysterwood Chest
Period: 17th Century
Origin: England
Type: Commodes/Chests
Style: William and Mary
Depth: 22.5 in. (57.15 cm)
Width: 38.0 in. (96.52 cm)
Height: 36.0 in. (91.44 cm)

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

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