About Antique China Cabinets

Antique china cabinets were made by the best furniture designers in both Europe and America. They were considered to be an important innovation in their time, so important that they rapidly became popular on both sides of the Atlantic.

History

China cabinets are a relatively new type of antique. They made their first appearance in England during the reign of William and Mary, the end of the 17th and the beginning of the 18th centuries. The furniture makers began in England, but opened shops around Europe and in America, predominately in Philadelphia.

Types

The leading manufacturers of antique china cabinets are Chippendale, which opened in the latter part of the Colonial period 1750 to 1780 and Hepplewhite and Sheraton who started the Federal period, Hepplewhite from 1780 to 1800 and Sheraton from 1790 to 1810.

Features

Chippendale has a square appearance and is very tall. They feature many drawers. The structure itself will look plain but there will be ornamentation such as intricately carved knobs and finals. The one feature that everyone connects with Chippendale china cabinets is the legs. The feet are a lion's paw or an eagle's claw on a ball. The favorite woods were mahogany and cherry. Heppelwhite had a very delicate and graceful style. Where a Chippendale piece would have a plain finish, the Hepplewhite would have decorative painting and wood inlays. His preferred wood was mahogany and the inlays would be in rosewood, satinwood, and tulipwood. Sheraton has a very square and solid look. The legs are slim and square and taper at the bottom. His favorite wood was also mahogany and his pieces have a lot of decorations, painted carved and inlayed

Potential

Antique china cabinets make a statement in any dining room. They were made to last and can hold any size dinner ware set. They will only increase in value, making them a good monetary investment as well as an investment in your style

Warning

There is nothing wrong with buying an reproduction, as long as you know it is one. Each of the manufacturers publish books with the exact details of his work. They are readily available and before you invest what could be thousands of dollars, check them out. You can identify Chippendale by looking at the joints. They tend to be uneven. If they are too perfect, it is a red flag. With both Hepplewhite and Sheraton, make sure the veneer and inlays are original. With all the pieces, check the legs. They are usually the first part to go.

Resources

• Hepplewhite and Sheraton
• Antique China Cabinets