Early 19th century Country French Louis XIV style bleached armoire de mariage or wedding armoire, circa 1810s. Handcrafted of old growth French oak in the Normandy region, this intricately carved wedding or marriage armoire features symbolic carvings typical of marriage pieces from the region. The large flat, carved and moulded cornice sits atop a frieze featuring a large carved urn filled with roses (evoking love) and grapes (domestic prosperity) surrounded by grape clusters on the vine (the attachment) in bas relief. The finely carved doors that open to reveal three shelves, have raised center panels with carved horns of plenty (nourishment) and a basket of flowers (fertility) on the bride's side and harvest tools on the groom's side. Raised on carved feet. The interior reveals a very spacious storage compartment with three shelves.

According to French tradition, the wedding armoire was ordered by a father when his daughter was born. It was typically hand carved with symbols of wealth and prosperity, and given to a girl during adolescence. As the girl grew up, she would fill it with her trousseau, clothing for Sundays, everyday dresses, lingerie and embroidered linens that she had prepared with initials of her future family. She would take it with her to her new home after she was wed.​

Dimensions:

h - 92.25"

w - 63.75" with crown; body w - 56.25"

d - 20.5"