· Popular from mid 1700's to 1800.
· After Thomas Chippendale, English furniture maker.
· "Ball and claw" feet are common.
· Elegant, formal appearance.
· Often large, boxy appearance.
· Scallop shells motifs are common.
· Broken pediments, pineapple motifs, fretwork.
· Often referred to as Georgian style.
Like earlier styles, Chippendale originated in England and became part of the American furniture scene around the middle of the 18th century. It is rooted in a combination of French Rococo influences, Chinese design and ornamentation, and a revival of English Gothic motifs -- all held together in forms based on earlier work. The style was given its name in acknowledgment of Thomas Chippendale's work and his book of furniture designs, The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director.
The cabriole leg, broken pediments, and arch-top panel doors are a few of the many components carried over from Queen Anne. However, to these were added detail and ornamentation as yet unseen. To chair splats, perforated designs of Chinese or Gothic influence were incorporated. Cabriole legs were carved with highly detailed ball-and-claw feet. Straight legs, a Chinese influence, became common on both chairs and tables.
This period also saw the introduction of the breakfront -- a large cabinet with a central section flanked by two shallower and narrower side sections. Chests of drawers saw variation in serpentine designs that transformed the traditional flat front into an undulating symmetrical curve.
The wood of choice was mahogany, although walnut, maple, and cherry were also used. Highly figured crotch-grain veneering in geometric patterns was a popular means of decoration.
Like earlier styles, Chippendale originated in England and became part of the American furniture scene around the middle of the 18th century. It is rooted in a combination of French Rococo influences, Chinese design and ornamentation, and a revival of English Gothic motifs -- all held together in forms based on earlier work. The style was given its name in acknowledgment of Thomas Chippendale's work and his book of furniture designs, The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director.
The cabriole leg, broken pediments, and arch-top panel doors are a few of the many components carried over from Queen Anne. However, to these were added detail and ornamentation as yet unseen. To chair splats, perforated designs of Chinese or Gothic influence were incorporated. Cabriole legs were carved with highly detailed ball-and-claw feet. Straight legs, a Chinese influence, became common on both chairs and tables.