Posted by
Susan Kerry September 9, 2011 -
#antique
#Rare
#unusual
#Sicily
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Price
1900.
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City, State
Seattle,WA
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Phone Number
206-391-8802
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E-Mail
susantkerry@gmail.com
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Shipping Available
Yes
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SKU or Item Number
JV090901
“Cassone dotale” or dowry chest was made in the traditional manner without nails, screws, or glue. The solid olive wood was hand cut and fitted together with wooden pegs. The hinged lid operates in the same manner without metal hardware. We believe this piece to be rare and hard to find even in it’s native county of Sicily.
The exact date is unknown. Our research indicates circa 1700. These chests were created to house the treasures a woman would take to her marriage. They were passed to each succeeding generation and rarely left the family.
The exterior of the "cassone dotale" or dowry chest is decorated with hand carved traditional geometric and floral designs.
Although olive trees are plentiful in Sicily, olive wood is difficult to procure. Olive trees can live four or five hundred years and rarely die. The wood is not precious as some exotics have become but because of the scarcity of supply and the tradition of the dowry chest it is difficult to obtain board feet.
