Antique European Mechelen Renaissance Oak Hunt Display Cabinet Stained Glass 90"

Description

Monumental Antique Mechelen Renaissance Revival China Hutch, circa 1890s. Made from oak with elaborate figural and floral carved details. Features vibrant original stained glass windows. The buffet or server section of the cabinet has a large table surface, 2 drawers and lower cabinet with two additional drawers and a shelf. The hutch rest upon turned columns and chrysanthemum carved backsplash flanked by acanthus foliate. Includes two interiod adjustable shelves and amazing geometric glass doors with a star at the center. The cabinet is ordained with high relief 3/4 French Renaissance figures, Lion heads with brass rings, Cameo panels, Gadrooning, chrysanthemum flowers and pedals. A true work of art that functions well as a bar back, china display cabinet or bookcase. This cabinet is a cut above other Mechelen style cabines. Most are of the less ornate variety and lacking the character of figural and animal carved details.

Mechelen, pronounced Malines in France, and also known as Malines or Mechlin in English, is a Dutch-speaking city in the province of Antwerp, Belgium.

Mechelen is one of Belgium’s prominent cities of historical art. It was a centre for artistic production during the Northern Renaissance. Anne Boleyn, wife of English King Henry VIII (1504–1536) resided in Mechelen as did Margaret of York, Duchess of Burgundy (1446–1503). In fact, several children who later became queens of European countries had received an education at Margaret of York’s court.

In 1572, during the Eighty Years' War, the city was burned and sacked by the Spanish. After this pillaging, the city was rebuilt. It was during this time that the tradition of furniture making began and can still be seen today.

Along with furniture, historically famous Mechlinian trades include laken (woollen cloth), tapestries, cordwain, Mechlin lace (precious bobbin lace, already from the early 18th century), wood carving and sculpturing.

About 150 years ago, the artisan-made high-class furniture was enjoying a revival in Mechelen. A lot of qualified craftsmen were attracted to the city to restore it. That's why Mechelen was soon known for its high-class furniture, and the demand was rising inside and outside of Belgium. Mechelen-style furniture is beautifully carved with decoration such as leaves, berries and fruit, and often includes handsomely carved lion heads.

Condition

Good Antique Condition; light use related wear commensurate with age. Brass rings were replaced at some point. The left column is missing a piece of the turning and the base of the hutch is missing the left edge trim.

Dimensions

20" x 48" x 90.5" / Surface Height - 42.5" / 12" Between Surface and Upper Cabinet (Width x Depth x Height)