18th Century Louis XIV Guerandais armoire

Code: 10522

Dimensions:

Important 18thC Guerandais Louis XIV armoire hand carved detail and in original paint
A form unique to the Briere National park near Nantes, an area famous for its pink sea salt production. The salt blows everywhere from the salt pans (fleurs de sel) and eats into everything. Furniture was protected from it and the penetrating winter damp by the unique local "sang de boeuf" (bulls' blood) paint formulation. Originally a deep red, after getting on for 300 years this has faded to a warm semi transparent pinky - terracotta over the rich oak fabric of the armoire. Famous but rare. The two local museums have only replicas. We've had 3 in nearly 40 years. The armoires are known as Guerandais after the historic walled town of Guerande or "armoires des paludariens" - the marsh peoples armoires. This piece is in incredibly good original condition. 18thC examples as here, have iron furniture, later 19thC forms have brass fittings. A wonderful statement piece or, as ideal for hanging, a functional bedroom wardrobe.
157 cm wide including cornice 138 cm down the main part