Fine William & Mary Oyster Chest

A Fine William & Mary Olivewood Oyster Chest of Drawers, the top inlaid with decorative stringing, banded with apple wood, the sides with Olivewood panels banded in apple with oyster surround, the oak lined drawers with cast brassware, later but correct for the period, raised on replacement bun feet. The two short drawers without handles, opening only with a key, which is typical of this date. The novelty use of oyster cuts of veneer enjoyed a vogue from the reign of Charles II through that of Queen Anne, roughly 1680-1710, deriving from the importation of Dutch craftsmen and exotic woods such as olive and princes wood, whilst embracing the native timbers of oyster cut walnut and laburnum.
English, circa 1695

Dimensions
37 1/2"w,
23"d,
34 1/2"h