Cane great chair
About 1700–10
Object PlaceLondon, England
Medium/TechniqueWalnut, cane
Dimensions134.62 x 58.42 x 44.13 cm (53 x 23 x 17 3/8 in.)
Credit LineMuseum purchase with funds donated anonymously
Accession number1978.383
On View
On viewClassificationsFurniture
Collections
This armchair with an arched, molded crest rail; carved front stretcher; and fluted, baluster-shaped front legs is from a set of twelve ordered from London by Hezekiah Wyllys, secretary of the Connecticut Colony. English caned chairs were imported into the colonies in fairly large quantities and inspired American examples, such as the rush-seated chair on the right. Compare the carving of the front low stretcher on the London chair with the similar carving on the crest rail of the American example.
ProvenanceOwned originally by Hezekiah Wyllys (1672-1741), secretary of the Connecticut colony; his son, George Wyllys (1710-1796); his son, Hezekiah Wyllys (1747-1827). Sold by the estate of Colonel Philip Wainwright, Hartford, Connecticut, to Harry Arons (dealer), Ansonia, Connecticut. Samaha Antiques, Milan, Ohio; 1978, sold by Samaha Antiques to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 18, 1978)
around 1685-1700
Late 19th century revival of 17th century chair
About 1710–20
about 1815
1870–85