Stool (low or foot), leather-covered

Date1620-1650

MediumOak, leather, brass and iron

DimensionsOH: 10 1/2"; OW: 22 1/2"; OD: 14 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1995-32

DescriptionAPPEARANCE: low or foot stool with rectangular box stretchers and octagonal legs,all covered with black leather that is held in place by round brass nails.

CONSTRUCTION: the rails and stretchers are joined to the legs with mortise and tenon joints that have mitered shoulders which follow the contours of the octagonal legs, the joints additionally secured with wooden pins.
Label TextThis stool, like the forms at Knole, displays a level of meticulous craftsmanship that is not typically associated with early 17th century joined furniture. The rails are made of high-quality quarter sawn oak and are fully dressed on the interior surfaces. Most joined examples have rails that are quickly riven and planed from split wedges. Mortise and tenon joints with mitered shoulders represent another sophisticated approach, one that strongly suggests that this furniture was made in London.
MarkingsNone found.
ProvenanceThe stool was purchased by source from the estate sale of Edna Dodge, a prominent Ipswich, Massachusetts, collector whose estate was sold by Ron Bourgeault in 1994.