18th-Century American Chippendale Maple Tall Chest, Rhode Island, Circa 1780

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Description

A handsome and unusually configured American Chippendale tall chest of drawers dating to the late 18th century, circa 1770–1790. Constructed … Read more A handsome and unusually configured American Chippendale tall chest of drawers dating to the late 18th century, circa 1770–1790. Constructed primarily of maple with chestnut secondary woods, the chest displays characteristics associated with Rhode Island and neighboring southern/eastern Connecticut cabinetmaking traditions.

The chest has an especially interesting drawer arrangement. What appears at first glance to be a traditional three-drawer upper tier is actually a single full-width drawer whose facade is molded to simulate three separate drawers. Beneath are two genuine short drawers followed by five graduated full-width drawers. This uncommon treatment gives the chest the sophisticated appearance of a more elaborate multi-drawer arrangement while retaining the practicality of a large upper drawer.

The case is surmounted by a projecting, built-up molded cornice and rests on tall shaped Chippendale bracket feet with scrolled inner returns. The restrained proportions, applied moldings, bracket-foot construction and extensive use of chestnut as a secondary wood are all consistent with late-18th-century New England cabinetmaking.

The chest retains considerable evidence of its early hand construction, including broad solid backboards, traditional dovetailed drawer construction, thick solid drawer bottoms and period case joinery. Its compact proportions—just under 57 inches tall—make it particularly versatile compared with the larger chest-on-chest and highboy forms of the period.

The surface has been refinished during its long history, and the brass hardware is later. The feet appear original and have received reinforcement and repairs over time. Additional expected age-related repairs, shrinkage, surface wear and minor losses are present throughout, consistent with approximately 240 years of use.

An appealing piece of early American furniture with an unusually distinctive upper drawer configuration and excellent scale.

Dimensions: 38.5 in. W × 19 in. D × 56.8 in. H See less