Antique Early 18th Century Welsh English Deuddarn Carved Oak Court Cupboard 1737
A fine early 18th or late 17th century Welsh oak Deuddarn or court cupboard, dated and initialed 1737. A deuddarn is a uniquely piece of vernacular Welsh furniture, and translates literally from "cwpwrdd deuddarn" in the Welsh language as "two pieces". In remarkable untouched original condition, this cabinet is made is two sections; the overhanging top with two downward facing ball finials, with a twin fielded paneled doors and a central arched panel with marriage initials " H. I." and the number "20" and date of "1737". Such cabinets were commonly given or created as marriage pieces and the Initials are most likely such marriage initials of two families. The cabinet may be slightly earlier than the presentation date, possibly late 1600s. The base with corresponding twin doors with fielded vertical and horizontal panels, the cabinet has all the original hand-forged iron butterfly hinges, and it is raised on stile feet. The deuddarn is in remarkable original condition, it is free from Victorian after-carving as many such 17th/18th century plain cabinets were carved in the 19th century. The color is fantastic, 300 years of use: creating a rich dark mellow honey color. The cabinet provides lots of useful storage, great in a kitchen, dining room, lounge or anywhere in the house, this early cabinet will be a guaranteed source of conversation!