RARE AND IMPORTANT PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA CHIPPENDALE CARVED CHERRY OR APPLEWOOD CORNER / SMOKING CHAIR, a fine example, with broad D-shaped arm rail with applied low crest and out-turned rounded terminals, over two pierced vasiform splats, each featuring four vertical piercings over a keyhole-like aperture and other small piercings, flanked by columnar arm supports, above a square molded-edge seat frame, raised on square-tapered legs with inside chamfer and joined with box stretcher. Original yellow pine seat supports attached to inside of rear seat rails with hand-wrought rosehead nails. Likely later oak slip-seat frame with modern upholstery. Old refinished surface with warm, mellow color. Reserve. Circa 1765-1785. 32 1/2" H, seat 18" SQ.

Literature: See Prown - "A Cultural Analysis of Furniture-Making in Petersburg, Virginia, 1760-1820", Journal of Early Southern Decorative Arts, May 1992, p. 44, fig. 34 and JSE & Associates Americana Auction, November 16, 2013, lot 610 for two examples with highly similar splats and Petersburg attributions.

Provenance: Property of a Virginia lady.
Catalogue Note: Petersburg, VA was a significant hub of commercial activity in the second half of the 18th century and drew in people and goods from across the globe. The present corner chair, produced during this "golden age" for Petersburg, typifies the "neat and plain" style so popular for Southern colonists. Sculpted out of extremely rare cherry or applewood and possibly made by an immigrant craftsman, this chair has clear British design antecedents. A rare survival from an important early Southern manufacturing and mercantile center, the appearance of this corner chair on the market represents a unique opportunity to acquire a beautiful and authentic 18th-century piece of Virginia seating furniture.

Excellent condition with minor wear.