An English carved oak panelled chest last quarter 16th century and later

the boarded hinged cover with cleated ends, the front with strapwork frieze and masks, the triple arched panels with ebonised banding and centred by applied masks, the stiles with atlante and caryatids, the sides with strapwork carving

Illustrated and discussed Michael Dann, The English Smile; English Furniture and The Renaissance 1490-1590, Plymouth, 2005, p. 44-51

Of Impressive and bold appearance with an attractive and bold patina and colour. Restorations and some reconstruction. The top with old separation, patching and partial splits. Cleats partially replaced. The hasp hinges are not original to the piece. Underside of top with two later batons. The front with split to central panel. The left side with a split panel and some replaced mouldings. The right side with some old fragmenting. The interior with a replaced section on the rear frieze. The rear and sides showing some separations and some replaced framing. The interior with reconstructed casing to the front panels. There is evidence that three arched panels have been converted to form deep drawer fronts and this conversion has now been removed and the panels re-instated. The floor with some fragmenting and ghosting. The rear exterior with a lot of wear, fragmenting and separations. Feet later. Traces of worm throughout. Visually very decorative and of a good size with presence.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For another chest with finely carved detailing and dated 1626 from the hall of the great Elizabethan mansion Sutton Place, Surrey see The Age of Oak and Walnut, these rooms, 14th September 2005, lot 131. This important chest also featured geometric motifs, inlay within an applied arcading, caryatids and atlante with stamped decoration and carving in a combination of high and low relief. For another panelled chest, primarily with inlay which features inlaid masks and carved arcading which echo the same devices seen on the offered lot, see The Leverhulme Collection, Thornton Manor, Wirral, Merseyside, Sotheby's, 26th June 2001, lot 62. Also see Sotheby's Billingshurst, 22nd June 1993, lot 2, for another panelled chest with the same arrangement of panels, caryatids, atlante and geometric inlay.