In Germany and Scandinavia huge, architectural wardrobes with very heavy cornices, known as schranke, remained popular in wealthy middle-class houses throughout the century. These had two doors over two drawers.
In the north they were usually made of oak and very quite often heavily carved - in the south they were more likely to be made from local fruitwood or walnut. The chest was an important household item of handmade furniture well into the 18th century.
Upholstered armchairs with carved top rails were made for the heads of households. These had turned arms and curled, almost scrolled feet.
In Sweden and Germany suites of stools, armchairs and chairs were upholstered in leather, or occasionally they were upholstered in imported silk. In less grand homes it was very common to find stools and benches set around long, plank tables.
Decorative Effects
German craftsmen were renowned for their use of walnut veneer, and later for ebony. Eger in Bonemia was well known for cabinets using sculptural relief or intarsia panels. Now antique furniture, decorated with Boullework became quite popular in southern Germany at the end of the century. Augsburg craftsmen mastered the technique, and produced fine examples of the style.
Berlin became renowned for japanned furniture, especially for the tables, cabinets, gueridons, and musical instrument cases with japanned decorations on a white ground designed by Gerhard Dagly.
In Paris his non fitted furniture pieces were described as 'Berlin' cabinets. Cabinets decorated with red and blue lacquer from Dresden and Brandenburg were also highly coveted abroad.
The Baroque Schloss Biebrich (palace), south of Wiesbaden
This three winged palace on the banks of the Rhine is a great example of the Baroque style, with its bold colour scheme and carved statues looking down from the roof.
Armoire
17th century armoire, a Fassadebschrank - intarsia on oak with a pine base.
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