Featured in this lot is a stunning, ornately carved, circa 1850-1890 Chippendale pattern, carved rosewood kneehole desk, in the manner of John Townsend, Rhode Island. This particular style of desk first appeared in England in the early 18th century. The kneehole desk is defined by its ‘kneehole’ in the center allowing the desk’s user to comfortably sit with his or her legs underneath the writing surface. At the same time, the kneehole desk retains drawers on either side to maximize storage. Kneehole desks also often featured central cupboards behind the kneehole space for additional storage. This kneehole desk features a writing space on the very top of the desk with a long drawer that extends the entire width of the desk below the writing area. The long drawer is ornately carved with designs and features bail handles set on batwing brass components and a keyhole in the center of the drawer. On either side are three smaller drawers also showing bail handles and batwing brass components. The center kneehole space shows a small cabinet for more storage with a finely carved cabinet door and keyhole on the left side. The top and bottom of the kneehole desk shows a finely carved gadrooning, a carved ornamental edging consisting of a series of convex sections resembling curved, oval fluting or reeding. The bottom of the desk shows six greatly carved claw-and-ball feet, a rare sight on Chippendale styled kneehole desks. Overall the desk shows good condition with no signs of obvious damage and little wear for its age. The desk measures 19 1/2" L x 41 1/2" W x 32" H.*