Chest of Drawers 1760 - 1790

John Cogswell crafted this chest of drawers out of wood, showcasing brass pulls against the dark grain. The most striking element is the cabriole legs, ending in claw-and-ball feet. The claw-and-ball foot, derived from Chinese motifs, typically depicts a dragon's claw clutching a pearl. The pearl is a symbol of wisdom. The adaptation of this symbol in Western furniture represents the transmission of cultural ideas across vast distances, evolving from spiritual significance to status symbols. This oriental element carries a deep cultural memory, stirring subconscious associations with wealth and exoticism. The curving form of the chest elicits fluidity and movement. The overall design reflects an emotional resonance—a desire for stability and status expressed through the symbolic language of form and ornamentation.