European Oak Mule Chest, Europe, 18th/19th Century

A magnificent antique European oak mule chest, combining the features of a blanket chest, a lift-top storage box, and a chest of drawers in one extraordinary piece. The hinged top lid opens to reveal a deep storage compartment, while the front presents nine drawers across three rows, the top two rows decorative and the bottom row fully functional pull-out drawers with original brass bail handles and keyhole escutcheons throughout. The figured oak surfaces have developed a rich, complex patina over centuries of age, with the silvery ray fleck of quartersawn oak visible throughout. Raised on shaped bracket feet with decorative carved apron. A truly singular piece of considerable age and scale.