An example of a Chippendale chair as made in Philadelphia. Philadelphia cabinetmakers followed more closely design trends in London than did those in other colonial cities, and thanks to an affluent clientele, produced some of the most ornate and intricately carved pieces of American furniture. This chair has strong ball and claw feet and ample foliate carving on the knees. Both the front seat rail and the crest rail have scallop shell carvings, and the pierced splat and ears are detailed with carved volutes.

The result is a chair that is opulent and stately, in keeping with the design ideals of the late Georgian era.