19th Century, Portuguese Wooden Vitrine

Description

The unusual shape and evocative patina of this antique wooden vitrine makes it a find to treasure. Built in Portugal … more The unusual shape and evocative patina of this antique wooden vitrine makes it a find to treasure. Built in Portugal in the 19th century, the topcoat of the paint has weathered over the years to create a dynamic composition of lichen green, soft blue and burgundy, alongside the bright amber grain of the natural wood. The lower half of the cabinet is steeply angled; hinged lids open onto deep compartments. This intriguing forms suggests that this piece was once used in a store —flours and grains would have been stored in the lower section, while the windows of the upper shelves and drawers would have looked onto all manner of jars of spices and containers of fragrant herbs. less