Sheraton Bowfront Mahogany Chest of Drawers, England circa 1820

View Similar Items

Sheraton Bowfront Chest of Drawers

American Sheraton Tiger Maple and Cherry Chest of Drawers. Circa 1820

Small Mahogany Bowfront Chest Of Drawers Circa 1800

Bowfront Chest of Drawers Circa 1800 in Mahogany

Antique Mahogany Bowfront Chest of Drawers

American Sheraton Chest of Drawers in Mahogany, New York, circa 1815

American Sheraton Chest Of Drawers

Sheraton Chest Drawers Mahogany Serpentine Commode 1810

Bookmatched Veneered Bowfront Mahogany Chest of Drawers

Bowfront Chest Of Drawers Regency Period In Mahogany Circa 1800

American Georgian Antique Mahogany Bowfront Chest of Drawers

Regency Mahogany Bowfront Faux Bamboo Chest of Drawers

1 of 6

Sheraton Bowfront Mahogany Chest of Drawers, England circa 1820

About the Item

Sheraton Bowfront Mahogany Chest of Drawers, England c.1820. The elegant shape of this chest has its origins in the particular proportions developed during the Georgian period specifically the reign of King George III (1760-1820). During the eighteenth century a set of rules became codified that defined the proper appearance of everything in architecture and interiors. In this particular case the famous designer Thomas Sheraton (1751-1806) took a basic form and designed a chest of drawers that has several distinguishing aspects that identify it as one of his pieces. The most powerful of course is the use of a front leg known as a "splay" leg because it sweeps away from the body of the chest giving a sense of visual energy compared to the straight bracket foot seen on purely Georgian furniture. Notice how the apron between the front legs and between the back and front legs has been shaped to echo the curve of the splay foot adding additional design integrity to the chest. In addition the façade of the chest is set in a form known as a "bow front" because of the gentle curve from left to right. The excellence of the mahogany timber that was chosen to adorn the front of this chest also is worth mentioning as it is the notable "flame grain" pattern, the most highly desirable form of mahogany available. The choice of this timber and the manner in which it has been placed across the entire front in order to maximize its visual impact is quite beautiful and was considered a very important component of its importance. There are two short drawers set above two long drawers with each drawer having a raised beaded edge. The importance of this beaded edge lies in its ability to capture any available light as it sweeps across the surface and create a vertical and horizontal line against the curved front. The oval brasses on each drawer emphasize the curved façade and also give a warm gleam. During the early nineteenth century the predominant method of lighting a room remained candles, oil lamps and lit fires as the spread of gaslight was still relatively new. The contrast between the pattern of the mahogany grain and the rippled surface of the polished brass contributed to a lovely and desirable appearance that remains potent today.

Dimensions:
Height: 43.5 in (110.49 cm)Width: 41.5 in (105.41 cm)Depth: 20.5 in (52.07 cm)
Style:
Sheraton (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1820-1829
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1820
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: HG21stDibs: LU86681868202