Classical Carved Mahogany Chest of Drawers or Dressing Bureau

CLASSICAL CARVED MAHOGANY CHEST OF DRAWERS
Boston c.1820


In two sections; the figured back splash above a set of three glove drawers set back on a lower case of four drawers, the top drawer forming a projecting frieze above three drawers with brass drawer pulls flanked by pilasters with carved Ionic capitals above bold carved animal paw feet with foliate shrouds.

H: 50¼” W: 42½” D: 20”

Condition: Excellent: re-finished with shellac in the manner of the period. The drawer pulls are modern replacements.

Perhaps the form is too common or so few of distinction were made that the dressing bureau is barely to be found in the literature on American Classical furniture. No doubt, the scholars are right because one seldom finds American Classical bureaus worthy of putting in a book or in your home. But there are exceptions, and this bureau is one. It's pure classicism, small scale, highly figured surface and boldly carved feet make it exceptionally desirable.

C-BBO-00142