MARRIAGE CHESTS

Around the world

WALES

Dealer Tim Bowen, who specialises in Welsh country furniture and folk art, says coffer bachs – small marriage chests – are popular with buyers today. Miniature imitations of larger grain or linen chests, they are particular to Wales and date from the 1700s to the 1920s.

‘They are regarded as love or dowry chests and often contained a Bible and pieces of precious linen,’ reveals Tim. ‘They’re not painted and are rarely marked with dates or initials like eastern European ones can be, but the inlay work on them is very special.’

Mostly made from oak (although Tim has seen a few in elm), they are sometimes decorated with contrasting woods such as bog oak and holly. ‘The decoration would have been even more striking when it was first made – jet black against bright white,’ explains Tim.

GERMANY

Tall, wardrobe-like chests with double doors were popular in Germany. An aussteuerschrank (dowry cabinet) would contain wedding garments, linens and precious possessions for the marriage and was intended for regular use in the home after the wedding. They were often constructed so they could be easily dismantled for transport. The Dutch Kast marriage cupboard is similar.

AMERICA

Waves of European immigrants from Germany and Scandinavia brought the tradition of painted chests to America. Young, unmarried American women collected dowry linen, clothing and household items together in a ‘hope chest’ (also sometimes called a ‘cedar chest’) before their wedding day, which would then move with them to their new home after marriage. This is the equivalent of an Australian ‘glory box’, or the UK concept of filling your ‘bottom drawer’ in preparation for your wedding day.

I TALY

Large, decorated marriage chests made in Italy from the 14th to 16th century are called Cassoni. Along with the marriage bed, they were treasured by wealthy Renaissance households and held textiles and precious clothing. They were often made from walnut or poplar and were sometimes decorated with coats of arms, gilding and wedding scenes. Cassoni were traditionally made in pairs. A Cassapanca

– which translates as ‘chest bench’ – was similar and used as a marriage chest and for storage, but also as seating. Dating from the Italian Renaissance period, they were often ornately carved.

FRANCE

‘A French marriage chest is called un coffre de mariage and I’ve had some lovely ones over the years,’ says Robert Young. ‘They’re small and were often decorated with hearts.’