The Popularity of Antique Cabinets Over the Years
Ever since collectors have been hoarding pieces of value and interest, antique cabinets have been around to house and show off these precious items. However, the cabinets themselves are also treasures in their own right and over many hundreds of years have been dressed to impress to provide a taster of the glories to be viewed inside. From the Italian Renaissance, to Louis Quatorze and throughout the multifaceted styling of the Georgian period, whether large and enclosed, glazed or put on a stand, antique cabinets retain their popularity and still remain as useful pieces of storage today.
One version of the Renaissance antique cabinet was basically a large and square piece of architecturally built furniture with solid doors. It is from this piece of early furniture that the modern wardrobe derives. Although not commonly made in Britain during the 16th century, it became a standard piece of furniture in Spain, Germany and particularly in France where the large armoire has always been popular. Later 17th century country made Baroque armoires often incorporated some Gothic elements into their styling.
The Italian Renaissance antique cabinets on the other hand were smaller and more of what we consider the cabinet to be, with large numbers of drawers set within a carcass and the whole thing placed upon a stand. These cabinets with pediments, pilasters and mini front doors were again architectural in design, and the stands often had columns in the style of female statues or caryatids. The stand itself was usually around two and a half feet high and the cabinet was raised up in this way.
The popularity of the multi drawer antique cabinet on a stand reached its height in Britain with the return of Charles II from exile in France in 1660. Chinese cabinets had already been finding their way to Britain since Elizabethan times. However the fashion was for these heavily lacquered and gilded eastern cabinets to be displayed in the Louis Quatorze style, which meant they were placed on a distinctly European stand. These stands, minus their Chinese cabinets, turn up from time to time converted to marble topped side tables. Some may consider their value less because of this conversion from their original use.
The English glass fronted antique china cabinet came into being during the reign of William and Mary (1689-1702). Much blue and white porcelain was being imported from China at this time. European influences, via Huguenot cabinet makers, all added to create what became an essentially English china cabinet. By the middle of the 18th century any number of bureau and breakfront bookcases, china cabinets and corner cabinets were being constructed and during the Georgian period these now standard pieces of case furniture were adopting the varying styles and features of Rococo and later Neoclassical themes. This 18th century English styling was revived many times during the Victorian era, throughout the 20th century and right up to modern day.
Whether for personal treasures and objet d’art, china, books, or general household storage, there are a wealth of different ages and styles of both period and revival antique cabinets on the market.
About the Author
Christian Davies is a second generation antiques dealer and owner of Christian Davies Antiques, a family based antiques business based in Preston, Lancashire. Christian has over 23 years experience in the antiques business and has a passion for genuine, high quality antiques furniture, such as antique cabinets, which he sources from the UK and Europe.
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