Georgian Walnut Chest on Chest
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Georgian Walnut Chest on Chest
About the Item
The chest's decorative features are also exquisite, particularly the reeded canted corners, molded cornice and bracket feet. Constructed in a rare smaller size, characteristic of early examples, this piece exhibits outstanding craftsmanship and superior design. Walnut chest on chests are considered the most desirable, followed by those crafted of mahogany and then oak. Similar chests are featured in British Antique Furniture: Price Guide and Reasons for Values.
The chest on chest was introduced early in the 18th century. Also known as the tallboy, it served as the wardrobe of the 18th century. Tallboys eventually gave place to the modern type of wardrobe, which, with its sliding doors, was found to give easier and more convenient access than the exceedingly tall chest. The topmost drawers of the tallboy could only be reached by the use of bed steps, and the disappearance of high beds and the consequent disuse of steps exercised a certain influence in displacing a characteristic piece of furniture that was popular for at least a century. The early examples are walnut, but by far the largest portion of the many that have survived are mahogany, this being the wood most frequently employed in the 18th century for the construction of furniture, especially the more massive pieces. To find a walnut chest of such exceptional quality is truly rare.
- Dimensions:Height: 66 in (167.64 cm)Width: 42.25 in (107.32 cm)Depth: 21 in (53.34 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1725
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New Orleans, LA
- Reference Number:Seller: 29-47081stDibs: U100420891119
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