A Rare Pair of Regency Mahogany Hourglass-Form Hall Chairs

English. Early Nineteenth Century.
Measurements
Height: 32" (81.3 cm); Width: 14"(35.6 cm); Depth 19 1/4" (48.9 cm).
Research:
Of mahogany. Each with an hourglass-shaped back with paper scroll top rail and circular central medallion above a solid rectangular seat raised on four square tapering sabre legs.

Marks:
Rear rail of one chair stamped: HH

Hall chairs, as the name implies, were intended to stand along the walls of hallways “for the use of servants or strangers waiting on business,” rather than in reception rooms. The form of the present pair of hall chairs was inspired, in part, by the splayed, saber-form legs of the klismos chair, a Greek design that evolved from a simple throne, which was refined by the 5th century BC with respect to proportion and purity of design. The present highly inventive chairs utilize strikingly geometric backrests formed by opposing wedge shapes centered by a circular medallion, to create an hourglass form, which gives these pieces a minimal and futuristic appearance.

Full research report available on request.