- 1). Read about the history of clawfoot stands that date as far back as ancient China, Greece and Egypt. Chinoiserie clawfoot stands had feet shaped like a dragon's claw grasping a pearl, crystal ball or jewel. A good source is the book "Beyond the Screen: Chinese Furniture of the 16th &17th Centuries," by Nancy Berliner (1996).
In the early 1700s, Queen Anne clawfoot stands had feet in the shape of an eagle talon or a lion claw. In the late 1700s, Thomas Chippendale's talon- and club-shaped clawfoot stands became among the most recognizable in America. Two recommended interior design books are "Queen Anne Furniture: History, Design and Construction," by Norman Vandal (1990), and "The Gentleman and Cabinet-maker's Director," by Thomas Chippendale (2006). - 2). Visit antique furniture websites like French Accents: Chinoiserie (faccents.com/glossaryC.html#chinoiserie) to see photographs of the wide variety and creative styles of clawfoot stands made over the centuries. Items such as planters, bathtubs, mirrors, chairs and cabinets can also have feet in the form of a clawfoot. Reproductions can be found in most high-end furniture stores. Original clawfoot stands can be found at antique stores, auctions and used furniture stores.
- 3). Join an association with members who are passionate about the fine craftsmanship of furniture making. They will be a fount of information. Ask an expert woodworker or cabinetmaker to tell you about antique clawfoot stands. Take notes.
- 4). Take a course in clawfoot woodworking and cabinetmaking. Courses of a wide variety are available across the United States. In addition to teaching you how to make a clawfoot stand, they also will teach you about the history of making a clawfoot. If you are a purist and an avid learner and want to be taught by the original lineage of clawfoot design, you can enroll in the Chippendale International School of Furniture in Scotland. You can learn about this 30-week course in the course overview section of the website at chippendale.co.uk/cabinet-making-course/course-overview.
- 5). Become an antique dealer. Clawfoot stands and other European antiques and experts are most plentiful in the northeastern region of the United States. This is where you will find most of the well-established schools, businesses and associations. As you move away from this area, there are fewer resources. Visit websites like the Best International Online List: Antique Dealers (antiquedealershows.com) for antique dealer associations and contact one close to you for help in getting started as a student, an entry-level antique dealer or a business owner.
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