With our highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this remarkable antique Arts & Crafts era sideboard. At the turn of the 20th century the newly emerging Arts & Crafts era began taking root all throughout America with such design masters such as Gustav Stickley, Charles Limbert, Harvey Ellis & others influencing art & design gathering inspiration from cultures as far away as England and Japan. This design revolution was fueled from the strong social criticisms of the opulence's of The Gilded Age and in high society Victorian England where quality production grew further and further away from the essential spirit of fine craftsmanship. The true brilliance of the Arts & Crafts period is that emphasis was placed on the inherent beauty of natural materials and craftsmanship is first and foremost the primary focus which defines an art or furniture object. Where a generation before elaborate carving, contrasting veneers and inlays, gilded and painted embellishments, and grandiosity defined the style of an era a new focus championed the common person who favored natural beauty and earnest skilled labor. It is little wonder why after a century has past the brilliance of the Arts & Crafts movement is still in high demand amongst passionate collectors while grander high style pieces often struggle to find a home. We have had the privilege of working with clients all throughout America who desire to collect furniture, pottery, metalware, and everything else associated with the Arts & Crafts design movement. In a market full of growing scarcity it is our desire to handle the finest examples from this era and in turn offer our clients a premium product and service.
This sideboard is constructed with quartersawn oak also commonly referred to as "Tiger Oak" named for the bold pattern of the oak wood grain which resembles the stripes of a tiger. This effect is only achieved when oak lumber is quartered or cut in fourths vertically as to capture the unique grain pattern in the wood. The sideboard has an excellent format which features two center drawers designated for storage of silverware and cutlery which are flanked by raised panel doors on either side. A long drawer rests below the shorter drawers and allows for a generous amount of additional storage. Each drawer and door is fitted with a brass knob which has a pyramid type design absent the pointed top. This design embellishment is carried forward with the deliberate choice of obelisk formed vertical supports both in front and flanking the back of the original mirrored gallery. At the time this sideboard was constructed Egyptian influence in American culture and decorative art was rekindled largely due to the newspaper reports of exploits of discovery in the ancient land of the Pharaohs. This subtle design element sets this sideboard apart from examples of the same era which can often be plain and without any noteworthy detail. The sideboard has retained the original gallery which is complete with a beveled mirrored glass panel and can be easily detached should it ever need to be moved. Four caster wheels also assist with moving the sideboard around however the wheels can be taken off easily should that be preferred. The sideboard has developed a rich and wonderful patina with an appropriate finish which has aged beautifully and it remains as sturdy and dependable as the day it was made. We believe that this sideboard will remain one of the finest examples of its kind offered anywhere for sale in America and that demand will continue to increase for this iconic design style as time goes on. It is our privilege to own this wonderful antique heirloom and we will be delighted to find a deserving home for this sideboard where it will be cared for and admired for years to come. The sideboard measures 63 1/2" wide x 22 1/8" deep x 58 3/4" tall. The height at the serving surface is 39".
