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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur

This so-called “tête a tête” bench from Tibet is a truly unique and historic piece. Furniture from Tibet generally brings to mind hand-painted wooden creations with religious and folk patterns and exceptional craftsmanship. This love seat from the 1800s is much less decorated, but nonetheless an amazing piece to behold.

There are two types of love seats, this form is known as a tête-à-tête, courting bench, or conversation bench. In this form, the two seats are arranged in an S shape, so that two people can converse while looking at each other and being within arm's reach, while at the same time typically retaining a modest barrier. The history of the love seat can be traced as far back as the late 1600s when this intimate seating arrangement for two first appeared. Unlike its Victorian counterparts in France and England, this present bench is made from a single, large tree trunk. The trunk was hollowed out and carved into this form, therefore there is no joinery or separate pieces. This gives it a very organic, rustic look that is effortlessly genuine. The backs are slightly bent, and the seats are quite smooth and reinforced, which shows that this bench wasn’t created to only be a decorative piece. It appears as if history got engrained into the beautiful solid wood, which creates a historic character.

In the 21st century, love seats are prominent in homes not just because of their space-saving capabilities but because of their enduring style. The rough, organic character of this bench has never gone out of style, as the pioneering Brazilian architect and designer, José Zanine Caldas’s works can testify. This Tibetan bench is a great choice to make both a historic, and a contemporary statement. It is a true novelty.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has chips and scratches.

Dimensions:

41.33 in W x 19.68 in D x 30.31 in H

105 cm W x 50 cm D x 77 cm H