Rare Antique Eastern European Mediterranean Marriage Chest with painted lid. 
Circa 1850
Painted on the inside lid of a peasant bridal chest. For a young woman born in the Eastern Mediterranean, back in late 19th century, marriage might have involved leaving the village & moving down the coast, to start a new life. Chest-makers therefore often decorated dowry chests with images of steamers & flowers, to represent voyage, romance, adventure, new beginnings. The colours are exceptionally vivid, being plant and mineral-based, and the splendid turmeric yellow details makes these paintings so vibrant. This chest has acquired a stunning patina from its long lifetime, telling stories of the years past and adding to its charm. 
These works are rare and sought-after. 
Rose Lane is now the leading seller in Europe of these rare naive marriage chest lid paintings. 
Please enquire for more information.
Length - 91.3cm 
Width - 55cm 
Heights - 56cm