Large American Aesthetic Movement Corner Cupboard

Description

This is a monumental Aesthetic Movement corner cupboard ca. 1880. I purchased this 2 piece cupboard privately from a home … more This is a monumental Aesthetic Movement corner cupboard ca. 1880. I purchased this 2 piece cupboard privately from a home where it was moved in the 1930's from a big Victorian mansion that was demolished at that time. Most likely this cupboard was made in a Philadelphia workshop in the 1880's. The primary wood is quartersawn oak. I questioned whether the black lacquer paint is original. Although that surface could have been an option when new, generally black lacquer was applied to cherry or maple or a hardwood with a finer grain. A very knowledgeable associate insists that the surface is correct. Either way, this black lacquer surface is a statement and appropriate for the era of the cupboard. The large cupboard towers at 108.5 inches ( 9 foot 1 inch) tall and is 70 inches wide across the front. It requires at least 36 inches into the corner. The base is 38 inches high and has 5 drawers with period brass pulls. The depth inside the top is 25 inches. The distance between the 3 shelves in the top is 19 inches, 15 inches and 15 inches. Left and right of the single heavy plate glass door are curio shelves with spindles. There's a prominent dentil molding below the cornice. The base is embellished with moldings and incised carvings. I've included pictures of the back construction. This cupboard can be moved in 3 pieces : the heavy glass door, the top and the base. I'm selling this cupboard as I bought it. There are no major defects to report but I'm selling it as is. If you have a place for this prodigious piece of Victorian furniture or decide to build it in to a contemporary construction, you will immediately be impressed by its monumental presence. less