Images(2)

Miniature Chest of Drawers

Date1900-1930

Maker Unidentified

OriginAmerica

MediumWalnut, white pine, yellow pine, tulip poplar, glass, brass

DimensionsOverall: 32 1/2 × 13 7/8 × 10 1/4in. (82.6 × 35.2 × 26cm)

Credit LineGift of Bettianne Sweeney

Object number2021.2000.3

DescriptionMiniature chest of drawers; main portion of chest has three equal sized drawers with tall drawer rails between them; drawers have chip carved moldings covering the drawer fronts in a V design; drawer rails have horizontal chip carved moldings covering their facades; rectangular top with rounded front corners; top drawer set back from front, also covered in V shaped chip carved design, with sides extending in triangular shape forwards towards front of top; tall backboard above top drawer with shaped sides and top covered on facade in chip carved moldings with rectangular mirror with plain frame in center; each drawer has two brass knobs; feet are extension of case sides with arch between front and back feet; sides have chip carved moldings around edges and across edges of bottom, top, and top drawer top.
Label TextThis miniature chest of drawers is ornamented in chip carving of the type associated with a style of work known as Tramp Art. While not stacked and cut, as many Tramp art carving was done, this may well be a later, early 20th century, version that simplified the technique into a single layer. Typically constructed of “found” materials, this piece contains a mixture of secondary woods probably from various sources. One drawer back has a stamped ink label (yet to be deciphered) suggesting it was original from a packing crate. The use of larger boards of walnut rather than the cedrella found in cigar boxes and used in many Tramp Art pieces, supports the later date when a hobbyist may have made this piece as a toy for a small child.
MarkingsInside drawer back of middle drawer has stamped ink letters that appear to read: "IMITATION SA.. / PHICK BALL..."