Furniture With Rich History Will Be Available in Important Americana Sale at Sotheby’s

By Sotheby's | New York

Jan 23, 2023 10:00 EST

Updated on Jan 11, 23

The Important Corlis-Bowen Family Chippendale Block and Shell-Carved and Figured Mahogany Desk-And-Bookcase

One of the highlights of the upcoming Important Americana sale, presented by Sotheby’s, is a Corlis-Bowen Family Chippendale mahogany desk-and-bookcase. It originally belonged to Dr. William and Sarah Corlis-Bowen of Providence. Created in circa 1770, the piece features elements of Providence cabinetmaking with S-shaped curve bracket feet. The desk pieces are made of finely grained mahogany with secondary woods of chestnut.

Also available is a Chippendale carved and figured walnut scroll-top high chest of drawers. Created around 1755, the furniture piece was attributed to Nicholas Bernard, a skilled carver who was influenced by Samuel Harding. The design is typical of his work from the mid to late 1750s, when his concepts and techniques explored the possibilities of lines. The carvings are an expression of the Philadelphia Rococo aesthetic. Interested bidders can also find an oak and pine long table from 1685 and a Chippendale mahogany side chair. Explore more items and register to bid by visiting Sotheby’s.

Lot Categories:

20th Century, Fine Art, Asian Works Of Art, Collectibles (

# of Lots:

Price Range:

$30,000 - $800,000

Interesting lots include:

Item Image	Item Name	Estimate
	The Important Corlis-Bowen Family Chippendale Block and Shell-Carved and Figured Mahogany Desk-And-Bookcase	Estimate: $600,000 - $800,000 Starting Bid:
	The Important Francis P. Garvan Important Chippendale Carved and Figured Walnut Scroll-Top High Chest of Drawers	Estimate: $200,000 - $300,000 Starting Bid:
	Exceptionally Rare Pilgrim Century Joined Oak and Pine Long Table, Probably South Shore Massachusetts, Circa 1685	Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000 Starting Bid:
	Chippendale Highly Figured Mahogany Serpentine-Front Chest of Drawers, Attributed to Jonathan Gostelowe	Estimate: $6,000 - $8,000 Starting Bid:
	Chippendale Carved and Figured Mahogany Side Chair, Attributed to Thomas Affleck	Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000 Starting Bid: