American Kasten: The Dutch-Style Cupboards of New York and New Jersey, 1650-1800

This examination of the American kast is intended to fill a sizeable gap in the study of American furniture. The American kast is a large, freestanding wooden cupboard or wardrobe, generally with two doors. Inside are two or three widely spaced shelves; the more elaborate pieces have a drawer in the base section for additional storage. In American kasten were made exclusively in the Dutch cultural areas of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut in the period from the mid-seventeenth century to the first quarter of the nineteenth century. There are 30 figures in the text and the catalogue illustrates and describes 19 examples. In addition, there are 4 appendices, a glossary, and a selected bibliography.