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Cellarette
1800–10
Object Place: possibly Boston, Massachusetts
Medium/Technique
Mahogany; finial, eastern white pine
Dimensions
77.5 x 73.7 x 54.6 cm (30 1/2 x 29 x 21 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Burr S. Swezey, Jr. and family
Accession Number2000.846
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsFurniture – Case furniture and boxes
A cellarette was used to store and chill wine bottles. This example descended in the Derby family and is possibly the one appraised in the 1814 inventory for $25. Its gilt finial in the form of a spaniel-perhaps modeled on a family pet-is recognizable in the British tea set displayed on the sideboard.
DescriptionRectangular, tapered box form with round brass knob on front for lifting hinged lid. Ornamented with ormulu hairy paw feet on short wooden legs, lion's head pulls with drop rings on canted corners. A gilt, carved pine dog rests on top.
ProvenanceProbably owned originally by Elizabeth Derby West and used at her home, Oak Hill; descended in Derby family to the donor.