High Chest

Period1700 - 1730

MediumCherry, maple, and white pine (the last per wood analysis by Winterthur in 1977)

Dimensions64.75 × 37 × 21 in. (164.5 × 94 × 53.3 cm)

InscribedA penciled inscription on the inside of the third drawer from the top appears to read "Thomas Cottonwood." A second penciled inscription on the inside back of the top right drawer appears also to read "Cottonwood." The initials "AH" are incised on the side of the top right drawer.

ClassificationsStorage Furniture

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Everett G. Reed, 1958

Object number1984.530

DescriptionA high chest in two parts. The upper section includes an applied cornice molding, two narrow drawers above three full-width graduated drawers, and a narrow band of molding applied just above the bottom edge of the section case. The lower section features a band of molding along the front, left and right edges into which the upper case sits, a central shallow drawer flanked by two deep narrow drawers above an arched and serpentine skirt trimmed with applied cockbeading. All drawer openings have a band of double-arch molding applied along the edges.The drawers are fitted with brass teardrop pulls with scalloped and engraved backplates, and scalloped and engraved brass escutcheons. Six trumpet-turned legs end in bun feet. The flat front and side stretchers echo the arch and serpentine silhouette of the skirt, with a plain flat stretcher along the back.
Curatorial RemarksThis early eighteenth century high chest resembles those from New England but is made of cherry, which is unusual. It is the first furniture form to be raised up on legs, which had not been well engineered by furniture makers of the day. Many examples have broken in the generations of use since. As with many similar pieces, the feet of this high chest have been replaced, and possibly also the stretchers.NotesThe name Thomas Cottonwood, penciled on the inside of two drawers, has not so far been identified.

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