Kentucky
Circa 1820-1830
Cherry, walnut, poplar, original lock
H: 31.5”; W: 32.75”; D: 19.25”
Descended in the Jeremiah Bush (1789-1842) family of Boonesboro, KY
The Bush family were early settlers of the area around Boonesboro after the tribe’s leader, William “Captain Billy” Bush (1746-1815) accompanied Daniel Boone on his second trip to Kentucky in 1770. Captain Billy sent for his extended family after the area was cleared of Indians and at least three of his brothers moved their families just north of Boonsboro, 20 miles from Lexington. This sugar chest descended the family of Jeremiah Bush (1789-1842) one of the brothers until 2016.
Lexington was considered the capital of fashion in Kentucky, and the form of the sugar chest relates to the work of Robert Wilson (w. 1792-1825), one of the premier cabinetmakers in the city. Numerous block and shaped front sideboards, chests of drawers and a huntboard attributed to Wilson illustrate the preference of area clients for complex profiles. Bold, architectonic furniture appealed to the Lexington clientele and cherry was the preferred primary wood in the area and used almost exclusively by Wilson and other artisans during the period.
The sugar chest is distinguished by its proportions, shaped top, applied columns and turned legs. Unusually, the interior partition is placed at an angle. The breadboard top has an applied molding of walnut. The base retains its original blocking. The chest has a beautiful old and mellow finish.
sold
