Antique French Bleached Linen Press Cabinet

Dimensions are 78" High x 38" Wide x 23" Deep 

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• The Pressing Method: Damp, washed linens—such as tablecloths, sheets, and napkins—were folded meticulously and placed between smooth wooden leaves or boards. 
• Operating the Screw: Turning the central wooden handle rotated the heavy turned screw mechanism, driving a flat pressing block downward to exert immense, even pressure on the stacked textiles. 
• Smoothing and Sheen: Leaving the linens under pressure for hours or days flattened out creases and imparted a crisp, lustrous, smooth finish to the expensive fabric. 
• Storage Convenience: The lower bombe-style base drawers were utilized to neatly store freshly pressed linens away from dust, light, and insects. 

• Material and Form: Constructed of solid oak, it features a curved, decorative upper arch and a base with three undulating drawers with ornate brass pulls. 
• Domestic Status Symbol: In the Dutch Golden Age and the 18th century, high-quality household linen was incredibly valuable. A highly decorated press like this was typically displayed in prominent receiving rooms or main living quarters rather than hidden away in work areas, signaling wealth, order, and good housekeeping.