Bombe Type Chest of Drawers, 1765-1785

Skilled American furniture makers created bombe furniture, like this chest, during the mid-18th century. This rare form, found mainly in the Boston, Massachusetts, area, contains a bulge near the base on the front and sides of the piece. The bulge, however, created no added functional value. Bombe furniture signified wealthy Bostonians' aspirations expressed through a traditional European form.