Chippendale

Thomas Chippendale published 'The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director' in 1754, and the pattern book — offering designs in the Gothic, Chinese, and Rococo tastes — was adopted by cabinetmakers on both sides of the Atlantic. English Chippendale was made primarily in mahogany with carved rococo ornament; American Chippendale adapted the style to regional materials and tastes, producing furniture that is today considered the pinnacle of American decorative arts. American regional styles differ significantly in character and value. Philadelphia Chippendale is the most elaborate and most valuable: richly carved acanthus leaves, hairy-paw feet, and the distinctive 'Philadelphia ear' on chair crest rails. Newport, Rhode Island furniture — made by the Goddard and Townsend family of cabinetmakers — is celebrated for its block-front case pieces and shell carving, and signed examples are among the most valuable American antiques in existence. Boston and Massachusetts Chippendale tends toward bombé case goods. New York Chippendale is identified by its bolder, less refined carving and often retains ball-and-claw feet with raking rear talons. The Chippendale Revival of the late 19th and early 20th centuries produced quality reproductions by makers including Kittinger, Councill, and Harden, whose labeled pieces have collector value. The style was also widely reproduced in mid-20th century 'colonial revival' furniture that, while period-appropriate in form, is clearly distinguishable from genuine 18th-century work.