Unknown Maker, Chinese

This armchair and oval tray represent significant "firsts" in the Museum's collection. Originally purchased in China by Colonel Edward Dexter of Providence, these objects are among the earliest known furniture imported from China by an American. Because furniture was so bulky to ship, it was never a profitable commodity in the China Trade; however, foreign traders living in Canton generally furnished their own residences and then returned with such possessions as part of their "privilege," or private cargo.

Records at the Rhode Island Historical Society suggest that these objects may have sailed with Dexter aboard the ship India Point, which returned from Canton in 1805. They probably furnished Dexter's house, now standing at 72 Waterman Street (coincidentally the house occupied a century later by collector and Museum benefactor Charles Pendleton). The initials EAD on the lacquer serving tray are those of Dexter and his wife, nee Abigail Smith. They were married in 1793, after which Dexter became a partner with his brother-in-law, Henry Smith, in the shipping business.