Storage trunk - Basque (Arkua) mastery - Chestnut, Wrought iron
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Expert
Selected by Annick van Itallie
Graduated in art history with over 25 years' experience in antiques and applied arts appraisal.
Estimate € 450 - € 650
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Description from the seller
This magnificent chest in chestnut, originating from the Basque Country (very probably from Labourd in the French Basque Country), is an authentic arkua (traditional Basque chest) dating from the 18th century with uncommon proportions.
It is a piece of mastery: created by a cabinetmaker artisan to demonstrate his exceptional skill, proving his qualification to become a master in the trade. The quality of the sculptures, the precision of the motifs and the overall harmony testify to a high level of technical and artistic prowess,
The front face is adorned with folkloric bas-relief sculptures typical of Basque craftsmanship of the 18th century: two anthropomorphic suns with expressive faces frame a central bicéphalic bird (Gaulish rooster or mythical bird, symbol of vigilance and protection). At the ends, two stylized trees topped with a cross evoke the Tree of Life – symbol of eternal growth and rooting in Basque soil – associated with the Christian cross, a sign of faith and spiritual blessing.
These motifs, laden with meaning, mingle ancestral pagan heritage (protection, fertility, reference to the goddess Mari) and Christian influences, and traditionally served to protect precious goods against malevolent forces while invoking prosperity and union for the couple.
This arkua fully embodies the cross-border cultural identity of Euskal Herria and tells a beautiful story of Basque matrimonial traditions, while representing a pinnacle of local craftsmanship.
The chest retains its original wrought-iron hinges
In excellent condition for a piece of this era with customary restoration.
This magnificent chest in chestnut, originating from the Basque Country (very probably from Labourd in the French Basque Country), is an authentic arkua (traditional Basque chest) dating from the 18th century with uncommon proportions.
It is a piece of mastery: created by a cabinetmaker artisan to demonstrate his exceptional skill, proving his qualification to become a master in the trade. The quality of the sculptures, the precision of the motifs and the overall harmony testify to a high level of technical and artistic prowess,
The front face is adorned with folkloric bas-relief sculptures typical of Basque craftsmanship of the 18th century: two anthropomorphic suns with expressive faces frame a central bicéphalic bird (Gaulish rooster or mythical bird, symbol of vigilance and protection). At the ends, two stylized trees topped with a cross evoke the Tree of Life – symbol of eternal growth and rooting in Basque soil – associated with the Christian cross, a sign of faith and spiritual blessing.
These motifs, laden with meaning, mingle ancestral pagan heritage (protection, fertility, reference to the goddess Mari) and Christian influences, and traditionally served to protect precious goods against malevolent forces while invoking prosperity and union for the couple.
This arkua fully embodies the cross-border cultural identity of Euskal Herria and tells a beautiful story of Basque matrimonial traditions, while representing a pinnacle of local craftsmanship.
The chest retains its original wrought-iron hinges
In excellent condition for a piece of this era with customary restoration.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Style subtype
Baroque
Specific region of origin
Pays Basque
Country of origin
France
Model
Basque (Arkua) mastery
Material
Chestnut, Wrought iron
Style
Antique
Condition
Fair condition - heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing
Height
49 cm
Width
95 cm
Depth
41 cm
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