A CHIPPENDALE CHERRYWOOD SERPENTINE CHEST-OF-DRAWERS

Details
A CHIPPENDALE CHERRYWOOD SERPENTINE CHEST-OF-DRAWERS
MASSACHUSETTS, 1760-1780

The rectangular molded top with serpentine front above a conforming case fitted with four graduated long drawers with cockbead surrounds, on swelled bracket feet with spur returns (break to front right foot)--30½in. high, 35¼in. wide, 19½in. deep

Lot Essay

The use of cherrywood and lack of a giant dovetail used to secure the front molding to the case bottom indicate that this chest-of-drawers was made outside the urban center of Boston. The manner in which the top is rabbeted to receive the case sides and the sophisticated integration of the serpentine facade with cockbead surrounds and shaping feet, however, points to the familiarity of the craftsman with urban counterparts.