The Dower Chest, better known as a Hope Chest or Blanket Chest in present time, is referred to by the Pennsylvania Dutch as Ausschteier Kischt. This piece of furniture is the most cherished and most representative of the Germanic
Immigrants who came to live in Pennsylvania during the late 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries.Young girls between the ages of eight to ten were given Hope Chests inscribed with their names and usually the date of presentation. This storage chest was filled with household items that the girl made, was given or purchased in anticipation of her future marriage. On her wedding day, this completely filled Hope Chest was proudly placed in the "Wedding Wagon" to be taken to her new home. Items would have included blankets, bed linens, baby clothes, quilts and some family heirlooms. These beautiful hardwood chests were then placed at the end of the bridal couples bed. In some homes, it was situated in a central area, such as the parlor, with the family Bible resting on the top.
This is a small Amish made wooden dower chest that I bought in
Lancaster last year.It measures approximately 18" inches wide and 12" high.
I painted it with traditional Pennsylvania German motifs.
Immigrants who came to live in Pennsylvania during the late 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries.Young girls between the ages of eight to ten were given Hope Chests inscribed with their names and usually the date of presentation. This storage chest was filled with household items that the girl made, was given or purchased in anticipation of her future marriage. On her wedding day, this completely filled Hope Chest was proudly placed in the "Wedding Wagon" to be taken to her new home. Items would have included blankets, bed linens, baby clothes, quilts and some family heirlooms. These beautiful hardwood chests were then placed at the end of the bridal couples bed. In some homes, it was situated in a central area, such as the parlor, with the family Bible resting on the top.
This is a small Amish made wooden dower chest that I bought in
Lancaster last year.It measures approximately 18" inches wide and 12" high.
I painted it with traditional Pennsylvania German motifs.
