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Chest of drawers

Attributed to: Ralph Mason and Henry Messinger Shops (Mason (1599–1678/79); Messinger (died in 1681))
Turnings attributed to: Thomas Edsall (American, born in England, 1588–1676)
1640–70
Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Medium/Technique Oak, cedrela (Cedrela odorata), black walnut, cedar, ebony
Dimensions 130.2 x 119.9 x 58.6 cm (51 1/4 x 47 3/16 x 23 1/16 in.)
Credit Line Bequest of Charles Hitchcock Tyler
Accession Number32.219
CollectionsAmericas
Perhaps the earliest example of Boston furniture in the Museum's collection, this is a full-fledged chest of drawers, an innovative form rarely made in America before 1690. Exotic tropical hardwoods in its construction and decoration include ebony for the turned spindles in the upper case and cedrela (and local black walnut) for the facade and sides of the upper and lower cases. The use of woods imported from far away reflects the participation of Boston's craftsmen in international trade as early as the mid-seventeenth century.

Catalogue Raisonné Randall 38
InscriptionsTop right drawer inscribed: "J Murray, A [?] Murray, Michael [?] Murray"
Drawers numbered on bottom.
ProvenanceEarly history unknown; lent by Charles H. Tyler, October 3, 1928, and made part of his bequest in 1932 (Accession Date September 1, 1932).