Hampton

Late Neoclassical (Empire) style, 1825-1850
China

In Maryland interiors in the 19th century, locally-made furniture was often complemented by lacquered objects from the Orient, including tables, trays, boxes, and other decorative pieces. Games tables and boxes were among the most frequently produced items of Chinese export furniture. Hampton’s table has a reversible panel in the top, allowing for chess and checkers on one side and backgammon on the other. The color and style of the decoration is harmonious with the painted furniture acquired for the Drawing Room perhaps a few years earlier. It adds another touch of the exotic, so preferred in mid-19th century decoration.

Wood, lacquer. H 81.3, W 67.9, D 57.9 cm
Hampton National Historic Site, HAMP 1164