ANTIQUES: Shelf Life

 

The oldest cupboards, which date back to the Middle Ages, were nothing more than a few simple planks placed atop one another to keep crockery organized. As the cupboard evolved into a piece of freestanding furniture, however, it became more elaborate, equipped with doors and drawers as well as shelves.

 

This particular cupboard ($1,600, circa 1850) was most likely made in New England. The two glass doors on the upper hutch give a fine view of the original yellow paint on three interior shelves; a lower section, with a shallow drawer and three more shelves concealed by wooden doors, provides ample storage space. Pine construction, cut nails, wooden knobs, and dovetail joinery in the drawers result in one sturdy piece of furniture, ideal for storing and protecting kitchenware and knickknacks.—JK [SEPTEMBER 2009]
 

THE GOODS

Sawyer Antiques
.
West Stockbridge, Mass.

www.sawyerantiques.com