A PINE PAINTED BLANKET CHEST

Details

A PINE PAINTED BLANKET CHEST
PENNSYLVANIA, LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY

The rectangular molded hinged top painted black and decorated with red tulips and yellow arches enclosing green graining and columns, opening to reveal a compartment and till with molded hinged lid, the case exterior painted black and decorated as the top with tulips, arches and fluted columns, on bracket feet, appears to retain original decorative lock, escutcheon and hinges (feet slightly reduced; minor inpainting; split in top)--22 1/4in. high, 50in. wide, 24in. deep

Lot Essay

The use of decorative arches with geometric patterning separated by tulips is distinctive to the painted Unicorn chests of Berks County, Pennsylvania. Evidentally, the artisan who painted this chest was familiar with the Unicorn chests, which served as the inspiration for this piece.