A Antique Cherry Chippendale Ribbon Back Side Chair, Massachusetts, Circa 1800

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Antique Cherry Chippendale Ribbon Back Side Chair, Massachusetts, Circa 1800

An exceptional and highly desirable example of late 18th to … Read more Antique Cherry Chippendale Ribbon Back Side Chair, Massachusetts, Circa 1800

An exceptional and highly desirable example of late 18th to early 19th century Massachusetts Chippendale chairmaking, this elegant cherry ribbon back side chair represents one of the most prestigious and sought after forms in the entire canon of American Federal period seating furniture. The ribbon back — with its intricately pierced and interlaced splat evoking the fluid grace of tied ribbon — is among the most technically demanding and visually accomplished patterns a period chairmaker could attempt, and this Massachusetts example carries it off with the confident skill and refined elegance that distinguishes the finest New England chair work of the period.
The choice of cherry rather than the more commonly encountered mahogany is a particularly noteworthy and appealing detail — cherry was the wood of choice for the finest country and provincial Federal period makers of inland Massachusetts, its warm honey tones and fine, close grain providing a beautiful and characterful alternative to imported mahogany and lending this chair a distinctly New England regional identity that serious collectors of American furniture will immediately recognize and appreciate. The pegged joint construction is a further authenticating detail of the highest order — visible evidence of hand craftsmanship and period construction technique that speaks to the integrity and authenticity of every joint in the chair.
The original slip seat frame survives intact — itself an increasingly rare survival on chairs of this age — and has been recently reupholstered, presenting freshly and cleanly and inviting the new owner to enjoy the chair in immediate comfort. The early historic surface, possibly original, has mellowed beautifully over more than two centuries of New England domestic life, acquiring the warm, rich patina that no refinishing could replicate and that serious collectors of American antiques prize above almost any other quality in a period piece.
A rare and distinguished form in a beautiful regional wood — the cherry ribbon back Massachusetts Chippendale side chair is a genuinely exceptional find that belongs in a serious collection of New England furniture.
Dimensions: 19.5"W × 16"D × 39"H × 18" seat height
Material: Cherry throughout; pegged joint construction
Details: Ribbon back pierced splat, original slip seat frame, recently reupholstered
Origin: Massachusetts, Circa 1800
Condition: Early historic surface, possibly original; wear and use marks consistent with age See less