Chest over drawers

ca. 1750-90

American

Scholars and connoisseurs of early American rural-style furniture consider this chest to be in exceptional condition; it has not been refinished since the mid-nineteenth century when gray paint was applied over the original red paint. The two bottom drawers of this popular form of chest are functional, but never had drawer pulls attached. The upper drawers are false fronts, to conceal a large compartment which opens from the top-a likely reason these are sometimes called blanket chests.

Pine and chestnut wood

43 1/2 x 38 1/4 x 18 3/8 in. (110.5 x 97.2 x 46.7 cm)

Gift of Mimi and Bill Gates in honor of John Kirk and Trevor Fairbrother

2000.160

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum in collaboration with the Shaker Museum and Library, Old Chatham, New York, "Creating Perfection: Shaker Objects and Their Affinities", October 5, 2000 - April 29, 2001, (10/5/2000-4/29/2001)

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