Page 20 - NGA | Masterpieces of American Furniture from the Kaufman Collection, 1700–1830
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desired American-made versions of the same furniture that was
popular on the other side of the Atlantic, such as tea tables with a
central pillar and double chests (or chest-on-chests). Southerners
tended to favor the clothes press for storing textiles, including
linens and clothing. This Charleston Federal clothes press (17) is
one of the most elaborate examples known, with extraordinary
figured mahogany veneers and light wood inlay. Made in two
parts, both of which are serpentine-shaped across the front,
the inlay below the top cornice simulates an architectural frieze
balanced at the base with paterae inlay on the straight bracket feet
and bellflower inlay on the canted corners of the feet.
17
styles / coastal urban centers / types of furniture < >
