{"product_id":"an-early-19thc-blue-painted-pine-cupboard-c-1810-30","title":"An Early 19thC Blue Painted Pine Cupboard c.1810-30","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod: George III\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: Unknown\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate: c.1810-30\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidth: 37”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight: 48”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDepth: 17.5”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wonderfully honest and characterful early nineteenth century English pine cupboard, retaining what appears to be its original blue painted surface throughout, with later mellowed wear exposing rich ochre and warm timbers beneath, the architectural form defined by a moulded cornice above a pair of framed plank doors fitted with their original turned wooden knob and swivel catch, housed within a substantial moulded frame and opening to reveal two full-width shelves providing practical storage, the whole surviving from the first quarter of the nineteenth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStructurally sound and ready for use, and presented in wonderfully untouched country house condition, the cupboard displays the expected wear associated with prolonged use and was once probably the top half of a larger case piece. The original painted surface survives with extensive age-related rubbing, scuffs and abrasions, all contributing to its exceptional decorative appeal. The interior has been cleaned and fitted with later pine shelving for storing a television and electrical devices, with cut out holes to the reverse for cabling, whilst the original iron hinges, wooden knob and hutch latch remain in place. The reverse of the doors retain an attractive contrasting mustard-painted finish, further suggesting an early decorative scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe proportions and enclosed form suggest this was more likely conceived as a freestanding food cupboard or small housekeeper’s cupboard, a form commonly found in English farmhouses during the first half of the 19th century. Such cupboards were intended to store dairy wares, bread, preserves or household linens, their restrained vernacular construction placing durability ahead of ornament. Pieces retaining untouched original paint are becoming increasingly scarce, particularly in such an evocative deep blue that has mellowed so beautifully with time. The naturally distressed finish lends itself effortlessly to both traditional country interiors and more contemporary decorative settings. Original blue-painted vernacular furniture has always been considerably scarcer than examples finished in red, green or ochre pigments, largely owing to the greater historical cost of blue pigments during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Surviving examples that retain an untouched, naturally worn surface such as this are becoming increasingly difficult to source, making cupboards of this type especially sought after by collectors of English country furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA superb example of English vernacular furniture, possessing all the qualities so sought after by collectors today; original paint, untouched surface, honest wear and timeless functionality. Both highly decorative and immensely practical, it is a piece with real warmth, authenticity and presence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58393768067453,"sku":"3168","price":2317.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/files\/bluepaintedcupboard1.jpg?v=1784031092","url":"https:\/\/www.doeandhope.com\/en-fr\/products\/an-early-19thc-blue-painted-pine-cupboard-c-1810-30","provider":"Doe \u0026 Hope","version":"1.0","type":"link"}