A Very Large Early 17th Century Scandinavian Bentwood Box Dated “1616”

One of the largest early 17th-century Scandinavian antique bentwood boxes we have ever acquired!

Constructed from birch with iron bindings and, an iron carry-handle and its original lock, this box is decorated in its original black and gilt painted decoration, incorporating naive stylised flowers, foliage, a large coronet with a love heart below, initials and date of “1616”.

It is likely that this box was made as a love token and may have even been made as a dowry/marriage chest.

Provenance – Ex-private collection, Sweden.

Condition – Please refer to the images. Whilst the lid does open it requires an element of force to lift it. There is age related wear to the paint surface. The white painted surface to the interior may be of a later date. A further detailed condition report is available upon request.

Size -,Length approx. 66 cm. Width approx. 44 cm. Height approx. 36 cm. (26″ x 17 1/3″ x 14 1/5″)