Jewelry Boxes: Gorgeous Inspirations from French Armoires
The French Armoire has a beauty to it that remains unrivaled to this day. So popular has been its design that several jewelry boxes down the ages have been inspired by their design and detail. Armoire is a French word that was originally derived from the Latin one ‘armarium’ meaning a chest.
Armoires came into being from what were originally a series of shelves that were built into the wall and closed with wings or doors. As they evolved they became standalone pieces that looked like a series of chests placed on top of each other with some doors to close them. Around the 17th century was when more attention was paid to the details on armoires.
Originally, the armoire was used for religious purposes in churches and monastries. The nuns used them for books and the priests used them in the sacristy for religious items like oil, vessels, and incense. There are still a few of these in existence like the 13th century oak piece in the Bayeux Cathedral in France
The Cathedral of Noyon also has another well preserved armoire from this period. The Vestry of York has a great example of the perpendicular style of armoires. The way these armoires were decorated too began to evolve with time. There was a serious move from painting these surfaces to carving on them.
Though Louvre had some great examples, the best ones are in the exhibits and museums of Cluny. The linen-fold was a very popular 16th century style of decoration for the armoire. With time, the armoire came to England and America. In its classic version, the armoire is an independent piece of furniture and has double doors that are beautifully carved.
Currently they are designed with a number of storage purposes in mind. There is the children’s armoire that is used as a toy cabinet. You also have the entertainment armoire that is big enough to hold a TV and all its associated paraphrenalia.
These individual armoires are also used as crockery cabinets, linen cupboards, as book shelves and more. The jewelry armoire is perhaps the most beautiful of them. These can be put up on the wall or can stand on their own. These wooden structures can be carved ornately and give you a great way to store and show of your collection.
There are many styles to choose from. The legs of the cottage style armoire are turned out and the design inspired from the colonial era. The wood has a simple but fascinating look with its semi-gloss finish. Pieces inspired from antique armoires have turned out legs as well. The carving and the style of decor is hand crafted and beautiful.
Present day armoires do have the basic shape of the classic version but with a modern look. In Queen Anne style armoires, designs of roses and vines are hand carved. Armoires have a wonderfully classic look to them and add to the beauty of your decor and your jewelry.
So why wait any longer? Step out and look for the armoire that suits you best.
This article was written by Ruth D’Souza Prabhu of MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes feature evocative wood art designs, created from unique wood grain patterns and colors. A fine addition to your dressing table or as a gift. Please visit http://www.marqartgiftshop.com to browse & buy exotic marqart jewelry box that will give you a lifetime of pleasure!
on November 6th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Nice post! I really want to have a brand new armoire for my old stuff toys. During my childhood days i’ve got a lot of stuff toys from my dad and i want to keep it because it means a lot to me.