FINE CARVING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 238, 8 October 1935, Page 10

FINE CARVING.

OLD OAK CHEST WITH INLAY. INTERESTING ANTIQUES. Dark carven oak chests standing in shadowed corners; repositories of old clothing, old parchments, old secrets— there is something about them that draws the eye and the imagination on journeys into old worlds. Thus in a beautiful specimen now standing on the fourth floor of tlio Loan Exhibition of Antiques, in High Street, there is not only interest in fine wood and carved patterning, but a wealth of roving. Numbered 128 on the catalogue, it is described as an "oak chest with inlay of bog oak and holly. About 1620." But the indications are that it is of considerably earlier history. A common feature of Stewart carving is the running inter-laced "S" motif—which had its origin, like many other artistic patterns, in the East, and is really a representation of the snake. This chest, however, clearly shows the earlier form where it appears as a series of tall individual ovals.

There is also a fine piece of carved panelling, No. 202, described as being of 1680 origin. This is the property of Mrs. Bruce Mackenzie. Another excellent specimen of sixteenth century carving of quaint design is the oak chest, No. 123, the property of Dr. and Mrs. McMurray Cole.

But possibly tho imagination reaches its peak of homely comfort in an oak breaii and cheese cupboard, as used in manors about 1030 for holding the supper of guests. It pictures for a moment that jovial character in literature, who mistaking the door of such a cupboard for a window, opening it and thrusting his head in, remarking to his fellow guests that the night was "dark as h— and smelt of cheese."

This evening at 7.30 there will be a lecture on porcelain given at the exhibition, and at 8 o'clock there will be a further talk on articles of historic interest.