High chest of drawers
The decoration on this chest, with its motifs and palette of red, orange, and what was originally bright yellow on a black ground, was meant to imitate a technique known as japanning. Beginning in the mid-seventeenth century, imported Japanese and Chinese lacquer cabinets and screens became extremely popular in England. This lacquer work was much imitated in London on furniture and wall paneling. The technique eventually spread to Boston by about 1700.
Artwork Details
- Title: High chest of drawers
- Date: 1710–25
- Geography: Probably made in Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Painted white pine, poplar, basswood
- Dimensions: 52 x 39 1/2 x 21 3/4 in. (132.1 x 100.3 x 55.2 cm)
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1909
- Object Number: 10.125.709
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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1710–30
1700–1730
1740–60
1700–1730
1690–1720
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