RARE ROANOKE RIVER BASIN (NORTH CAROLINA / VIRGINIA) CHIPPENDALE CARVED WALNUT CORNER CUPBOARD, one-piece construction with canted returns and barrel-style back, the upper section featuring molded broken-arch pediment centering stylized carved shell over raised-panel tympanum, all above two shaped eight-light doors bearing carved patera-like blind "dirty dish" panels at base, three fixed interior shelves of shaped profile, the lower section with two hinged raised-panel doors, all raised on an applied ogee bracket-foot base. Yellow pine secondary wood. Old surface with warm color. Fourth quarter 18th century. 102 1/2" HOA, 47 1/2" WOA.
Literature: See Bivins - The Furniture of Coastal North Carolina, 1700-1820, cover and pp. 308-311 for similar cupboards attributed to the "WH" cabinetmaking shop. 
Catalogue Note: Recently discovered in an online-only estate auction being held for descendants of the Stephenson family of Southampton Co., Virginia, the present corner cupboard is associated with the "WH" cabinetmaking shop active in Northeastern North Carolina during the late decades of the 18th century - the most conspicuous parallels being the use of the tympanum as a decorative field, the unusual shaped profile of the upper mullions in the case doors, and the implementation of architecturally-inspired carved blind panels at the bottom of the upper case doors. According to information contained in a photocopy of an old ink-inscribed note associated with the piece, the present corner cupboard descended in the family of Nathaniel T. Stephenson (b.1847) of Ivor and Berlin in Southampton Co., Virginia - he having likely having inherited it from his father, Alfred T. Stephenson (1817-1895), who likely inherited it from his father before.
Shipping Note: IN-HOUSE SHIPPING IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS LOT. Please contact our local UPS store store6595@theupsstore.com for information on shipping or see our website for a list of third-party shippers https://www.jeffreysevans.com/buying/pick-up-and-delivery.

(Updated 6/13/2021)Very good overall visual condition. Hinges replaced with associated pieced repairs to doors and case. Feet and pendant shell device replaced. Restoration to upper 3 1/2" of broken arch. Other minor wear and losses, one small section of cornice molding detached but present. Lower cabinet doors possibly restored.