FINE AND RARE STIREWALT SCHOOL, SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA, PAINT-DECORATED YELLOW PINE AND POPLAR CHILD'S BLANKET CHEST, the hinged rectangular lid with applied moldings over a rectangular case of dovetailed construction, interior with lidded till, all raised on four turned feet mortised through the bottom of the case. Retains dry, original red and black decoration against a vivid chrome-yellow ground, design featuring extremely unusual bird and turtle motifs to the front panel and characteristic "Virginia" parrots to the ends. Possibly Jacob Stirewalt (1805-1869) and/or John N. Stirewalt (1802-1836), New Market, Shenandoah Co., VA. Circa 1835. 13 1/2" H, 15 1/2" W, 10 1/4" D.
Published: Moore and Goodman - "Painted Boxes and Miniature Chests from Shenandoah County, Virginia: The Stirewalt Group", The Magazine Antiques, September 2007, p. 81, fig. 11.
Catalogue Note: The present painted box is one of an important group of paint-decorated chests and boxes attributed to the Stirewalt family of New Market, Shenandoah Co., VA that are all linked by parallels in construction, materials, and decoration. It is unclear at present exactly who is responsible for the construction and decoration of these boxes, but it is clear that the effort was likely a collaborative one, given the degree of variation found in the group. Regardless, Jacob and/or John Stirewalt of New Market, Virginia and Rowan Co., North Carolina seem to be at the center of the story. See Lots 1163 and 1164 in the present sale for similar examples attributed to this school.

Good overall condition with minor to moderate wear and discoloration, heavier to lid with crack. Minor repairs to case at hinges.