Chest over drawers
ca. 1750-90
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