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A work made of mahogany and white pine.

Dressing Table

1750–70

Artist unknown (American, 18th century) Salem, Massachusetts area

Salem

Dressing tables were most often made together with high chests of drawers. Used in the bedchamber, the dressing table held objects for grooming, such as combs, brushes, powders, ribbons, and pieces of lace. A looking glass was often hung above the table, or a dressing glass was set upon the table. A silk, velvet, or cotton textile, known as a toilette, would have covered the top and protected it from wear and damage.

Mahogany and white pine

Arts of the Americas