Carved Mahogany Sofa Labeled by Cook & Parkin



FINE CLASSICAL CARVED MAHOGANY BOX SOFA

Thomas Cook (1789-1868) and Richard Parkin (1787-1861)

Bearing Ink Stencil: Cook & Parkin (active 1819-1833)

Philadelphia, c. 1830

 

The scrolled crest terminating at each end with cyma curves and anthemion carving, above an upholstered back, and seat flanked by arms with carved scallop shells, above plinths connected by a bolection-molded and gadrooned seat rail, raised on stout lotus  carved and turned conical legs, with ball feet.  The back board bearing the ink stencil: COOK & PARKIN/ CABINET WARE/ PHILADELPHIA.

 

H: 35" W: 89"  D: 24½" 

 

Condition: Excellent. Small loss to carving on the proper-left shell, retaining antique surface, modern upholstery.

 

Published:

Allison and Jonathan Boor, Philadelphia Empire Furniture (West Chester, PA., Boor Management, 2006), 378.

 

Carswell Rush Berlin "'A Shadow of a Magnitude': The Furniture of Thomas Cook and Richard Parkin," American Furniture, edited by Luke Beckerdite (Hanover, N.H.: University Press of New England, 2013), 175.

 

The form of this sofa is typical of Philadelphia box sofas of this period and there are at least four related labeled examples by other Philadelphia cabinetmakers including Joseph Barry, Charles & John White, David Fleetwood and H.B. (William) Grubb.

 

Cook & Parkin, working at 56 & 58 Walnut Street between Dock and Third, were among the largest and most successful of the Philadelphia cabinetmakers of the Classical period.  More information about them can be found on the Carswell Rush Berlin website under "Insights".  https://american-antiques.net/insights-research/article-5/



Dealer Carswell Rush Berlin, Inc.
Date: c. 1830
Origin Philadelphia
Artist/Maker Cook & Parkin
Measurements H: 35" W: 89" D: 24.5"
Inventory View Dealer's Inventory
Website http://www.american-antiques.net
Price
Contact Carswell R. Berlin, 646-645-0404 or  CarswellBerlin@msn.com

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