Chippendale Mahogany Chest on Chest

View Similar Items

Fine Small Chippendale Mahogany Chest of Drawers

18th century English Mahogany Chippendale Chest on Chest

Antique English Geo. III Inlaid Figured Mahogany Chippendale Chest on Chest

Finest Antique English Geo. III Figured Mahogany Chippendale Chest on Chest

Chippendale Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers

English Chippendale Small Chest/Cabinet

English Mahogany Chippendale Chest on Chest

Small Chippendale period mahogany Chest of Drawers

LEXINGTON Banded Mahogany Chippendale Chest on Chest

Solid Mahogany 3 Drawers Antique Chippendale Style Dresser Chest

18th century English Chippendale Chest on Chest Large Size

19th-Century American Classical Mahogany Tall Chest of Drawers

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 7

Chippendale Mahogany Chest on Chest

About the Item

This monumental chest-on-chest attributed to the workshops of Thomas Chippendale displays all of the hallmarks of furnishings crafted by the master’s hand. An undeniable masterpiece, the mahogany cabinet is exemplary of Chippendale's signature style, bringing together the neoclassical and chinoiserie elements that have become synonymous with his name. Its pagoda-like motif, distinctive red wash, ogee bracket foot and dentil molding, among others design elements, all distinguish this chest on chest as a very rare Chippendale original. Seldom does one come across a piece of furniture such as this that embodies all of the most important design elements of its era and crafted by a master's hand. The talent and genius of Thomas Chippendale's designs dominated the furniture styles of the 18th century. He was the first person to boast such a strong following that an entire style bears his name and not that of a monarch. The son of a Yorkshire cabinetmaker, Chippendale quickly excelled in the family business. By the age of 36, he owned a series of workshops throughout England and an expansive timber yard for harvesting the finest woods. While today Chippendale is celebrated as the greatest cabinetmaker of his era, and perhaps of all time, his business life was far from financially stable. Over anything, he valued perfection in his work, seeking exceptional quality in each and every one of his pieces and spending painstaking hours on even the most minute details. While this slowed his production and resulted in him dying penniless, the outcome was some of the most exquisite pieces of furniture ever constructed. This chest on chest is one such example. The incredible attention to detail, impeccable proportions and highest quality materials are evidence of Chippendale’s commitment to pursuing perfection. The mahogany would have been an enormous expense, and the cabinet is further reinforced by oak as a strong, secondary wood. The delicately curved, broken arch pediment is the epitome of grace and slightly leans backwards, a design element that is distinctive to the Thomas Chippendale St. Martin's Lane workshop. The drawers even feature their original hardware, crafted in a rocaille, or Rococo, design with a subtle gilding. Decorative adornments such as the pagoda-like leaf and ribbon motif that lines the lower drawers reveal the influence of Eastern aesthetics in European decorative arts. Since the Restoration of the monarchy, there had been a growing interest in Chinese-style design forms in England. Known by the French chinoiserie, this style had become extremely popular by the middle of the 18th century, and designers such as Thomas Chippendale eagerly adopted the elaborate Eastern-inspired designs. Today, the name Chippendale invokes images of refined taste and unparalleled elegance. It is no wonder masterpieces such as this rare chest on chest are so treasured by collectors, circa 1765. Measures: 42 1/2" wide x 22 1/2" deep x 83" high.

Creator:
Thomas Chippendale (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 83 in (210.82 cm)Width: 42.5 in (107.95 cm)Length: 83 in (210.82 cm)
Style:
Neoclassical (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1765
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 31-01481stDibs: LU891117367502