Object Description
A Fine Miniature William and Mary 17th Century Diminutive Olive Oyster chest.
From the reign of King William & Queen Mary (1688-1702), England.
The finely holly-banded and cross-grain moulded top is beautifully veneered in roundels of hand-cut olive oysters and lined in boxwood stringing in a geometric form. Over three oyster veneered and holly banded drawers, each fitted with brass bifurcated scroll drop handles and shield-shaped escutcheons surmount with a crown. The sides are veneered in figured olive.
It should be noted that miniature or ‘toy’ chests from 17th-century England are extremely rare.
Personal comments: This important miniature olive oyster ‘toy’ chest is quite simply a masterpiece and incorporates all of the features associated with the period 1680-1700.