Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill
Rare, Diminutive, 16th Century Tudor Period English Antique Oak Ark, c.1540
Rare, Diminutive, 16th Century Tudor Period English Antique Oak Ark, c.1540
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This small Tudor oak ark is a rare survival from the reign of Henry VIII, constructed around 1540 and retaining the unmistakable character of early 16th‑century English joinery. The form is built from adzed and riven boards, giving the surface its distinctive undulating texture, with a raised twin‑plank lid supported by shaped end buttresses. The body is a classic clamp‑front boarded coffer, strengthened by broad, shaped uprights with through tied tenons, a hallmark of early Tudor construction.
The ark has exceptional colour and surface patination, the result of centuries of handling and oxidation. Its compact proportions and sculptural presence make it an evocative piece of early domestic furniture, once used for storing valuables, documents, or household goods in a manor or yeoman household. Examples of this date and integrity are increasingly scarce, and this piece represents a fine opportunity to acquire a genuine object of the English Reformation period.
A superb piece of Tudor vernacular furniture, rich in history and atmosphere.
Provenance: England. 16th century, circa 1540.
Material: Solid oak, adzed and riven.
Condition: No structural issues noted. Excellent colour and surface patination with age‑related wear consistent with a mid‑16th‑century ark.
Dimensions:
Width: 86 cm (33.9 in)
Height: 59 cm (23.2 in)
Depth: 40 cm (15.7 in)
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We are a member of the following 4 Professional Associations:
1. LAPADA (London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association) – LAPADA is the UK’s largest trade association for professional art & antique dealers (representing approximately 500 UK dealer members). All items are backed by our LAPADA guarantee;
2. CINOA –Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d'Art, (or International Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' Associations) is the world association of art & antique dealer associations (representing 5000 dealers from 32 associations in 22 countries);
3. The Norfolk & Suffolk Antique Dealers Association - Representing reputable, high quality antiques dealers based in Norfolk and Suffolk; and
4. FSB - Federation of Small Business.
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