Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1738-1750
A rare and important high chest with original gilt and japanned shells; having a steeply pitched pediment with bold mouldings and scrolled tympanum, fluted pilasters (requiring moulding steps at both waist and cornice), and graduated drawers with a curvi-linear arrangement of the original brasses; the arcaded apron having drop pendants, the center with a semi-circular lobe is block-carved to mirror the form of the gilt & japanned shell in the central drawer; having a bold stance with delicate out-swept cabriole legs with pad feet with intact under-discs.
The highboy is in remarkably original and intact condition, with a mellow old finish, untouched gilded and japanned shells and undisturbed original brasses; the drop pendants appear to be original, the top finials are old appropriate replacements. A chalk inscription in florid period script, on the top board of the lower case appears to read 'George Miller'.
The architectural aspects, refinement of form and proportion, and the high caliber of craftsmanship in this piece, distinguish it as one of the finest examples of the form to surface in recent years.
American walnut; white pine secondaries.
Dimensions:
Height 86-1/2", Width (upper case) 39", Width (lower case) 40-3/4", Depth 20-1/2".
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