16th Century Elizabethan Joined Oak Livery Cupboard

A rare Elizabethan Joined Oak Livery Cupboard , dating to the late 16th century , small proportions and of historical interest , carved with the Fleur-De-Lis.

Wonderful colour and patina built up over a period of more than 400 years , slightly canted upper section with two carved cupboard doors with carved central panel , above a full length drawer retaining its original iron work the surface intricately carved with the Fleur-De-Lis , four carved Elizabethan supports , original patinated pot board shelf at the bottom .

This cupboard has survived the passage of time extremely well with minimal repairs , still retaining all its original boards including candle shelf , back boards held in place by hand made nails .

An extremely rare find of exceptional colour and originality, exquisitely carved with the flaur de lis pattern .

The Fleur de lis symbol came to represent the French monarch’s divine right to rule .

Fleur-de-lis, (French: “lily flower”) , also spelled fleur-de-lys, also called flower-de-luce, stylized emblem long associated with the French crown .

During the Tudor period English monarchs continued to prominently call themselves kings of France . Northern France was ruled by the monarchs of England for more than two hundred years from 1347 to 1558. The Pale of Calais remained part of England until 1558.

The fleur- de – lis emblem continued to be used in England representing Englands continued claim to the French throne. The French fleur-de-lis was included in the royal arms, this continued until 1801, by which time France no longer had any monarch, having become a republic.

Very good antique condition with expected signs of age and use.

131.5cm H x 131.5cm x W x 45.5cm D