Antique English oak coffers, 17th century and later

An antique coffer is a type of chest or box that is used for storage and dates back to ancient times.

In medieval times, coffers were used as a form of furniture and were placed in churches, castles, and manors. They were used to store valuable items such as documents, money, and jewellery. They were also used as a seating area, as the lid could be opened and used as a seat.

The term "coffer" is derived from the Latin word "cofia" which means "basket" and they were used for storing clothes and other personal items They were typically made of wood, oak, walnut, and pine. Oak was a popular choice for its durability, strength and resistance to decay. It was also used for its decorative properties as the wood grain can be very attractive. Walnut was also a desirable wood, as it was harder, more durable and more expensive more... than oak. Pine was also used, as it was a cheaper alternative to oak and walnut, but it was less durable.

Decorations on antique coffers varied depending on the time period and region in which they were made. In medieval times, intricate carvings were a common form of decoration. These carvings could include geometric patterns, religious symbols, or scenes from mythology or daily life. Inlay was also a popular decoration technique, where small pieces of wood, bone or metal were set into the surface of the coffer to create patterns or pictures. Gilding was sometimes used to embellish the coffer, typically on the raised areas of the carvings. less...