18th Century Country French Bench ~ Trunk from Lower Brittany

18th Century Country French Bench ~ Trunk from Lower Brittany is one of the most charming examples of rural craftsmanship we've come across this year!  Hand-carved and fashioned from thick planks of old-growth chestnut, it features an intriguing brace of scrolled end pieces that act as armrests, with arbalette forms framed by corbel designs, in between which appears slanted hinged lids designed as candle compartments.  The seat opens up like a regular trunk to reveal surprising storage, making this a dual purpose design.  The heavy cornerposts that form the corbels at top extend all the way to the floor, are are then carved into gracefully scrolled feet, where they are attached to the lower apron which has also been meticulously cut in a stylish scroll pattern.  Across the front, however, are the real show stoppers!  Three panels, the outermost of which are mirror images of each other, explore two interpretations of Greek coin motif, with an intriguing border in a flattened oval form on the outside, and rosettes appearing at the center of the middle panel, with the coin motif surrounded by more foliate embellishment.  Each panel is a work of the wood sculptor's art, rendered with simple hand tools by talented artisans for us to enjoy centuries after its creation!
Circa 1750s
Measures 30H x 54W x 20D; seat 21H