Miniature armchair

Date1760-1820

OriginAmerica, North Carolina or Virginia

MediumAsh, possibly hickory, rush, and paint

DimensionsOH: 14 3/4"; OW: 6 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1996-2

DescriptionMiniature turned armchair with rush seat; back composed to two horizontal rails with three shaped balusters between them tapering to top and bottom rails; round rear stiles with pyrimidical turned finials; round front legs with turned ring and tapered foot below box stretchers; arm supports integral with front legs taper up from above the seat rail to the arm; rounded arm with baluster shape tapering to stile.Label TextMiniature, doll-sized furniture was likely used by children during play. The range of children's playthings suggests that simple enjoyment was a part of childhood, but the toys could also teach important lessons. Then, as now, dolls and tiny furniture like this miniature chair were a little girl's introduction to the role she would someday fill as a mother and manager of her own home.