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"Chaises Basses" Low Chairs by Charles Dudouyt, France 1930s

Creator: Charles Dudouyt
Offered by: H. Gallery

Description
Turned chairs — sometimes called thrown chairs or spindle 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 chairs were designed by French designer, Charles Dudouyt, who originally created this pair of small carved chairs as ‘fireside’ chairs, hence the “chaises basses” or low seats. He crafted wooden furniture in strong Art Deco forms, using playful geometries and construction methods more in keeping with the robust Arts and Crafts Movement. The design features large and wonderful decorative finials atop the backs. These sphere-shaped elements aren’t the only ornamentations on the design; the shape of the splats on the backs, the carved stretchers and the papercord sears are all decorative features that make the design visually arresting. In later turned chairs, papercord seats were common, also in Europe where the fabric was a widespread and popular material. The seats are made of durable woven twisted cord, with a light colour that beautifully contrasts to the dark wood of the structures. The legs are joined by box stretchers, enhancing the square-shape of the design. Interestingly, the squares are incomplete, the back stretchers are absent, presumably to balance out the decorative backs. The partnership of the two natural materials is very effective as well; the wood and papercord pair flawlessly to showcase the skill of the maker.

The details of these turned chairs point to the involvement of a great cabinetmaker. The small-scale version may have been created as an apprentice piece, or show-piece, or as a display sample. Nowadays, turned furniture are mostly made by automated machinery, therefore handcrafted pieces like this pair are increasingly rare and valuable. Similarly, small-scale furniture pieces have become sought-after works again in the 21st century.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small scratches and marks on the wood.

Dimensions:
16.54 in W x 15.75 in D x 23.62 in H; Seat height 11.42 in
42 cm W x 40 cm D x 60 cm H; Seat height 29 cm

Shipping:
These chairs will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention to make sure you will receive the items in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Origin:	France
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Wood, Papercord
Condition:	Good. In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small scratches and marks on the wood.
Creation Date:	1930s
Number of Pieces:	2-3
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Mid Century
Dealer Reference #:	88880092
Incollect Reference #:	587146

Dimensions

W.	16.54 in;	H.	23.62 in;	D.	15.75 in;
W.	42 cm;	H.	60 cm;	D.	40 cm;

Seat H.	11.42 in;
Seat H.	29 cm;

Message from Seller:

Located in Utrecht, The Netherlands, H. Gallery specializes in modern and contemporary design with a strong focus on Brazil and Scandinavia. The gallery strives to preserve and promote especially Brazil's rich design heritage and curates a select group of contemporary artists. Meticulous research, ie getting in contact with the original designers, producers, their heirs, and retrieving and indexing old catalogues and magazines is at the heart of its activities. All works presented excel in great