Design for Corner China Cabinet with Chinese Fretwork
1900â05
Classification
furniture
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of The Lake St. Louis Historical Society
Accession Number
2000-69-221
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This elegant design for a corner china cabinet, created by the A.N. Davenport Co. 1900–05, exemplifies early 20th-century American furniture drafting at a time when manufacturers blended domestic functionality with exotic decorative flair. A.N. Davenport, a prominent Boston-based firm specializing in architectural woodwork and custom furnishings, catered to affluent households seeking sophisticated storage solutions for fine dishware. The title highlights "Chinese fretwork," a intricate openwork carving inspired by East Asian lattice patterns, reflecting the era's fascination with Chinoiserie—...