William and Mary carried the Baroque from England — by way of France and Italy — into the colonies, trading the heavy oak of the Pilgrim century for taller, lighter case pieces raised on turned legs. The high chest on trumpet-turned supports and the caned daybed are its signature forms.
Design Elements
- Relief-carved elements over intricate, heavy turnings
- Woven cane seats, later leather with brass nails
- First Asian elements, including japanned surfaces
- Finishes of paint, oil varnish, wax over stain, and ebonized black japanning
- Burl veneers and inlay
- The dovetail joint introduced
- Walnut, mahogany, and maple