Pontivy Marriage Armoire. From a relatively wealthy market town in central Brittany. Early examples are poorly decorated. This piece is the most elaborately carved example we have seen and certainly dates from the Golden Age of French agriculture c.1880-5. The sculpting cost far more than the body of the armoire itself and only in the late 19thC could such an expense be supported. Mothers started saving for daughters trousseau when they reached puberty. This would comprise home embroidered linen, a simple bed and the most elaborate local armoire they could afford. These were the centre pieces of the home and passed down through generations. They were made in chestnut. The timber is beautiful and more importantly almost unrottable, essential on damp clay floors in humid unventilated rooms. Undoubtedly museum quality. Ample width for hanging, it is not too tall so well suited for modern or ancient bedrooms. If mine, I'd gently spotlight it in the living room.