China Press
North Carolina
Roanoke River Valley
Walnut and Yellow Pine
With an early rich dry surface
Circa 1800-1815
Overall height 83.25″, overall width of base is 43.3/8″, depth of base is 16.5/8″,
A handsome, press in the Chippendale style in a very desirable, rick and mellowed 19th century walnut finish. The cabinetwork expresses the continued appeal of the neat and plain to tidewater gentry clientele whose tastes were shaped by their Anglo roots and enlightenment ideals even after the war was over. For several decades following the war, the influence of Williamsburg, Norfolk and Petersburg cabinetmakers extended south into the Roanoke River basin into North Carolina as these artisans and their families migrated southward and westward.
The press survives in an usually fine state of preservation, retaining its original shelves, hardware, feet, crown molding, cornice, beading and trim. Constructed in two case units with 16 pane upper case doors (14 glasses probably original. Back of cupboard is totally original and undisturbed, with hand forged nails and wooden pegs, with scribe line marks.
