Antique Folk Art Inlaid Chest of Drawers With Nautical Stars and Tombstones

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With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques proudly offers this exceptional and rare antique chest of drawers. This antique … Read more With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques proudly offers this exceptional and rare antique chest of drawers. This antique dresser is one of the most exciting pieces we have been able to secure in a considerable amount of time. During the years surrounding the American Civil War this unique design style began to take hold in the country as the influence of primitive Tramp Art objects led to a gradual refinement in the quality of handmade household items. American Folk Art objects with skillful carving and marquetry inlay began to appear in greater abundance in the rural center of the country and overtime the complexity and scale of these pieces evolved into larger pieces which would require a much higher degree of expert craftsmanship to create.

This dresser features some of the finest marquetry inlay work we have ever encountered on a piece of this size. Typically this quality of folk art inlay is only found on smaller household items such as document boxes or on objects directly associated with the American Civil War. It was common for veterans to hone their woodworking skills during the time between campaigns and to decorate the objects they had around them often with sentimental or personal detail. Usually only a single surface such as the top or front with feature such bold inlay patterns so to find a piece inlaid on both ends, the top, and front drawer faces is quite a fortunate find.

The chest features four primary motifs which repeat throughout the entirety of the case exterior. Tombstones, hearts, diamonds, and six-pointed nautical stars are inlaid on all sides of the chest with intricate detail. Bird's eye maple and walnut were selected to create a variegated pattern of alternating light and darker tones. Each drawer features dovetail construction and traditional 19th century grain bin pulls that are casted with wonderful detail. The chest rests on four bun feet which were restored in the past generation as to elevate the dresser off the floor. This dresser measures 48 3/4" wide x 20 3/4" deep x 38 1/2" tall. The drawers have an interior usable space which measures 40" wide x 17" deep x 4" tall. See less