The Lost Code

Chest

Late 18th century
Pine
H. 54.5 cm
L. 104.5 cm
W. 56.7 cm
This fundamental piece is the ancestor of all furniture. In addition to being used to store such items as clothing and household linens, it also served as a seat and a table. Associated with travel and major stages of life (e.g., a bride's hope chest), chests were often the only piece of furniture people brought to New France. It was unthinkable for people to transport all their furniture with them aboard the sailing ships that crossed the Atlantic. Notice the scrolled feet—an uncommon touch of refinement on a chest.
Musée de la civilisation collection, 65-79

• The Censitaire