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Cabinet of boxes
Attributed to: Ralph Mason and Henry Messinger Shops (Mason (1599–1678/79); Messinger (died in 1681))
1660–1700
Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts
Medium/Technique
Black walnut, fir, red oak, white pine
Dimensions
Overall: 44.5 x 43 x 24.6 cm (17 1/2 x 16 15/16 x 9 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Frank B. Bemis Fund
Accession Number1982.16
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsFurniture – Case furniture and boxes
Decorated with the contrasting, geometric patterns favored by avant-garde London furniture makers, the door of this cabinet opens to reveal nine drawers. Cabinets, like boxes and dressing boxes, stored writing materials and valuables. This cabinet is the only example of its form to survive from the Boston shop tradition of London-trained joiners Mason and Messinger.
Provenance1981, in the collection of Frank Demers, Topsfield, Massachusetts; lent by Frank Demers, January 30, 1981; museum purchase from Jeanne A. G. Demers, Topsfield, Massachusetts, January 1982 (Accession Date 1982)