A reproduction of a 16th Century Italian Cassone (Marriage Chest)

This piece was commisioned by the National Trust for Knole House in Seven Oaks, Kent.

It has replaced the original Cassone, dated approximately 1580, in the entrance courtyard at Knole so that the original can be put into safe storage due to its deteriorating condition.

The Carved elements are in English air dried Oak and the joinery of the carcass is French Oak. Some design choices were made in the reproduction process to restore missing or modified features to the original design, this includes the lion's paw feet and the bands of decorative strapwork connecting the lower central scroll to the rest of the panel.

The chest was painted in Knole House's signature colour 'Knole Blue' to match the historic decor of the estate.