{"product_id":"rare-16th-century-english-antique-tudor-period-antique-oak-ark-c-1540","title":"Rare, Diminutive, 16th Century Tudor Period English Antique Oak Ark, c.1540","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis small Tudor oak ark is a rare survival from the reign of \u003cstrong\u003eHenry VIII\u003c\/strong\u003e, constructed around \u003cstrong\u003e1540\u003c\/strong\u003e and retaining the unmistakable character of early 16th‑century English joinery. The form is built from \u003cstrong\u003eadzed and riven boards\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving the surface its distinctive undulating texture, with a \u003cstrong\u003eraised twin‑plank lid\u003c\/strong\u003e supported by shaped end buttresses. The body is a classic \u003cstrong\u003eclamp‑front boarded coffer\u003c\/strong\u003e, strengthened by broad, shaped uprights with \u003cstrong\u003ethrough tied tenons\u003c\/strong\u003e, a hallmark of early Tudor construction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA superb piece of \u003cstrong\u003eTudor vernacular furniture\u003c\/strong\u003e, rich in history and atmosphere.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/strong\u003eEngland. 16th century, circa 1540.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-base-strong sm:text-lg-strong pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:first-child)]:pt-3.5\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSolid oak, adzed and riven.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo structural issues noted. Excellent colour and surface patination with age‑related wear consistent with a mid‑16th‑century ark. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-base-strong sm:text-lg-strong pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:first-child)]:pt-3.5\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 86 cm (33.9 in)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 59 cm (23.2 in)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDepth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40 cm (15.7 in)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52711975289174,"sku":"HAF7275","price":4450.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/7462\/5878\/files\/Photoroom-20260212_175421_2.jpg?v=1772216104","url":"https:\/\/holtantiquefurniture.com\/products\/rare-16th-century-english-antique-tudor-period-antique-oak-ark-c-1540","provider":"Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}