Lift-Top Painted Blanket Chest
New England, 18th century
Pine with red paint, 27 ½ x 36 x 16 ½ inches

A wonderfully straightforward New England blanket chest, made more memorable by the small details its maker didn’t strictly need to add. The bracket base has a shaped valance centered by a chip-carved fan, with another little flourish at the ends—modest decoration that gives an otherwise practical piece considerable character. The beaded front edge of the top, leather hinges, interior till, and rosehead-nail construction add to its appeal, as does the old red-painted surface, worn and scratched from generations of use.

$975