This is a remarkable cabinet, a true gem, with four beautiful female figures, delicately applied ebony inlays, and three beautifully carved heads in the frieze beneath the hood.
In the center is a man's head flanked by two women's heads.
With an added surprise: a beautiful interior, the likes of which you rarely encounter.
Two openwork-carved doors depicting sea creatures.
I only encounter these cabinets with these figures in Frisian Keeftkasten, so I assume this cabinet was made in Friesland. Holland or Friesland.
Below the doors is another drawer, also featuring carvings of sea creatures.
Below both doors is a wide drawer flanked by lion heads.
Next to the doors are beautiful sidepieces with lovely fluting.
The lower fluting is positive, applied, and made of genuine ebony—a common feature of Frisian cabinets.
The lock is original and the key works.
The sides have quarter-sawn panels between the rails and uprights with beautiful profiles.
The four women symbolize four virtues: faith on the top left, hope on the right, love on the bottom left, and justice on the right.
A very special piece of furniture from the Renaissance period around 1650.
Some minor restorations have been done here and there, and otherwise it is completely original.
Height 195 cm, width 135 cm, and depth 60 cm.