Name/Title
FiresetContext
Beside the hearth in the NCHM Back Parlor is a set of brass fireplace tools and matching stand that includes a shovel, tongs, and a poker. The stand is topped with a finial, as are each of the fireplace tools. The railing at top of the stand is composed of two curved arms each ending in a downward curved knob. At its circular base are four small channeled feet that look like rudimentary animal paws.
This set of fireplace tools is thought to be American-made from the 1840s. It was given to the Museum by Robert McClendon in memory of his late wife, Mary Olive Titterington of Texarkana.
The custom of putting animal feet on furniture and household objects developed in Europe in the late 17th century and was likely the result of the influence of newly arrived Chinese imports. For centuries, the Chinese embellished furniture with animal feet, and the symbol of a sacred jewel clasped in a dragon's claws or held under a lion's paw represented the pursuit and protection of knowledge and wisdom. European artists and furniture designers were less interested in the symbolic meaning of this motif than they were in the exotic look.
Animal feet were a popular design element throughout the 18th century across several styles, particularly the Queen Anne style. It is interesting to see them represented in the tiny feet of this fireplace stand where the paws are little more than balls with slashes to depict the toes.Acquisition
Accession
1974.01Source or Donor
Mr. Robert W. McClendonAcquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
In Mem of donor's wife, Mary Olive Titterington of Texarkana