A bowfront chest is so called due to its curved (bowed) front.  The style became popular in the late 18th century, and has remained popular ever since.

 

Flame mahogany is wood that has been cut from a fork of a mahogany tree – where the branch extends out from the trunk.  The visual patterns from the cut resemble flames, hence the name.  Flame mahogany was both expensive and rare.   Wide planks of this wood, once cut, could warp and curl, so veneering was the method employed in the creation of most antique furniture bearing flame mahogany.  It is a beautiful, rich sophisticated wood, with great warmth.