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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

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Turned chairs represent a style of Elizabethan or Jacobean turned furniture that had a vogue in late 16th and early 17th century England, New England and Holland. The technique was carried on to the 20th century and was widespread in Europe as well, where craftsmen created durable pieces for various interiors and purposes.  

These oak low chairs feature amazing frames, consisting of carefully sculpted wooden spheres, curved arms, cross rails, and lower stretchers. The wooden parts are accompanied by tightly woven rush seats. In later turned chairs, like this pair, rush seats were common, especially from America, and the same goes for Europe, where wicker was a widespread and popular material. Here, the seat is made of durable woven twisted cord, with a light colour that beautifully contrasts to the dark wood of the structure. The partnership of the two natural materials is very effective as well; the wood and wicker pair flawlessly to showcase the skill of the maker. The legs are joined by box stretchers, enhancing the square-shape of the design. Overall, these chairs are exceptional pieces thanks to the artisan craftsmanship. In turned furniture, the individual wooden spindles of the piece were made by shaping them with chisels and gouges while they were being spun, or turned between the centre points of a lathe. Several French designers, like Charles Dudouyt crafted wooden furniture in strong Art Deco forms during the mid-century era, using playful geometries and construction methods more in keeping with the robust Arts and Crafts Movement. This pair showcases the variety of shapes and forms of these movements whilst keeping organicity in its focus.

These chairs may have been small-scale versions of a masterpiece, apprentice, or showpieces. Surviving finer small-scale furniture, such as this pair, point to a craftsman showing skills for examination and approval. The flawless woodworking could have served as a visual resume of its clever maker, or created as a display sample. Nowadays, turned furniture are mostly made by automated machinery, therefore handcrafted pieces like this chair are increasingly rare and valuable.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some small scratches and marks on the wood.

Dimensions:

22.04 in W x 19.88 in D x 30.11 in H; Seat height 11.41 in; Arm height 22.04 in

56 cm W x 50.5 cm D x 76.5 cm H; Seat height 29 cm; Arm height 56 cm