Cedar Lined Chest (Bride's Chest)
Item
Title
Cedar Lined Chest (Bride's Chest)
Creator
United Crafts
Date
1903 (ca.)
Dimensions
25 3/4 x 40 5/8 x 20 3/8 inches
Medium
Oak, iron hardware
Credit line
Image Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Marks
Shop mark (decal) on back at center of bottom board
Description
Barely visible behind the Dining Table in the interior shots of the Log House published in the 1911 issue of The Craftsman, this Cedar Lined Chest is identifiable by its base and hardware. The placement of this chest here is somewhat confounding as there was already ample storage textiles storage in the Dining Room. The large drawers of the Sideboard are cedar lined and roomy, seemingly more than capable of holding a wide range of items. Even the elm cabinet at the other end had storage cabinets beneath, as well as glass paned doors and shelves that could accommodate additional textiles. Centered under the window here, and filling no pressing need, the placement of the chest reads more like a choice made by the photographer to flesh out the space than one that reflected the needs of the room.