An excellent Chippendale mahogany round-about chair, with turned cross stretchers, Boston, circa 1760-80.

This attractive chair is a prime example of the roundabout chair that was produced in Boston during the mid-18th Century. The layout of the chair epitomizes the Boston form with a well-developed crest and splat above a cabriole leg with a foliate knee all joined by turned cross-stretchers. These chairs are commonly referred to as a corner chair, they are generally considered to be a gentleman’s chair. The form is associated with the activities performed at a desk, such as reading and writing. The seat enables one to change position and move without turning the chair. The pleasing proportions and attractive carvings create an inviting and versatile chair. The chair has a pronounced bolster-form crest above a scrolled arm. Three ring and vase turned balusters support the arms. The supports frame a pair pierced and carved splats. The splats rest on a rectangular frame with a molded edge and slip seat. The front cabriole leg has a foliate carved knee and a bold ball and claw foot. The other three legs have tapered shafts and disk-form feet, which is common to other Boston and Salem roundabout chairs. The legs are joined by robust turned and blocked cross-stretchers.
Dimensions: Height at crest 32”; Height at arm 30” Height at seat 17”;
Depth 19”