In period American furniture, proportion separates the good from the truly great pieces. The best craftsmen had an innate sense of how the proportion of a piece impacted its perception and enhanced or detracted from its beauty.
One of the first things you notice about this chest is its stunning proportions. Chippendale chests often of very short feet that make the chest appear too squaty, but the taller feet on this example elevates the piece and provides it with an assertive prominence that both commands attention is extremely pleasing aesthetically.
But the proportion is just one in a long line of attributes that set this piece apart. Beautiful carving on the ball-and-claw legs moves into camfered fronts (again, not often seen on Chippendale pieces) that culminate at the top with a graceful floral design. The original brass pulls adorn three graduated drawers, each of which slide works smoothly and offers significant storage capacity (more than you think!). Resting on top of the chest is a thick sheet of protective glass, which is original to the piece. Finally, the highly-carved mirror provides a beautiful finishing touch.
The chest features highly figured mahogany veneers, and has a warm and rich (and original!) finish. The chest is very well made - heavy and substantial. This is a piece of furniture you will have for a very long time.
The piece's somewhat compact size is extremely versatile - use it as a buffet (great storage), as a bureau in a living room or den or, of course, as chest in a bedroom.
The owner purchased the chest at auction in Chicago approximately 15 years ago.
Very good vintage condition.
Chest: 45" long, 22" wide, 36" tall
Mirror: 39" tall, 24" wide
SOLD. Thanks, Chris @ Libertyville!
Gotcha Modern! is happy to offer complimentary delivery of the chest within a 10 mile radius of Park Ridge.
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