Chest - Spruce - Antique 1938 dowry chest

Large decorative dowry chest / bridal trunk with floral folk painting – signed & dated 1938 (incl. key)

For auction is a beautiful, generously sized dowry chest (bridal trunk) in the traditional Alpine folk art style of Bauernmalerei. The chest is an excellent, authentic example of the Heimatstil from the interwar period.

Key Features & Details:

Dating & Provenance: On the front, discreetly signed and dated with “Ella Joud 1938”.

Painting: Elaborate, colorful hand-painted decoration featuring classic floral motifs (tulips and roses) within profiled inlaid panels on an olive-green background. The lid and side surfaces are also beautifully decorated to match. A carved cord-like trim in reddish-brown adorns the upper rim. The back side is finished in a solid dark color.

Lock & Functionality: Features its original black-lacquered forged chest lock and comes with the matching key. The locking mechanism works perfectly: The trunk can be locked and unlocked without any issues, and the key can be smoothly removed in both the locked and unlocked positions.

Interior: The interior is remarkably clean, spacious, and displays the natural wood grain, without any internal side compartments.

Dimensions:

126 cm (Width) x 60 cm (Depth) x 55 cm (Height).

Condition:

The chest is in charming, age-appropriate original condition with a wonderful patina. There are some minor paint flakes and small superficial cracks in the wood due to age, which only enhance the authentic character of this vintage piece. Structurally and functionally, the trunk is solid, clean, and ready to use.