Pair of Transitional Chippendale Carved Side Chairs

Massachusetts, probably Boston or Salem, ca. 1760-1780.

Mahogany; secondary wood, pine

Condition: In remarkable condition. Both chairs have no restoration to the crests or splats. Both chairs retain all the knee returns and period blocking. Minor imperfections and wear to the pad feet. See additional images of seat frames.

This pair of chairs is among a small group known with a leaf-carved crest and carved incised pad feet. The serpentine crest rails with swept back ears above, “owl-eye” carved, pierced splats with over-upholstered trapezoid seat frames are supported by graceful cabriole legs with high peaked knees ending on incised carved, extended pad feet. The chairs are constructed with beautifully figured mahogany further complementing the over-all quality of the chairs. This form of chair without the stretchers is most likely from Salem, Massachusetts.