Listings / Furniture / Seating / Side Chairs
Wood Turned Chairs with Woven Rush Seats, Europe ca 1940s
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Description
Mid-century designers were eager to break free from the aesthetics of the past and experiment with new forms, and techniques. At the same time, especially in Europe, the modernist design movement was often based on traditional styles and techniques, such as turned chairs.
Turned chairs — sometimes called thrown chairs or spindle chairs — represent a style of Elizabethan or Jacobean turned furniture that had a vogue in the late 16th and early 17th century. 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. 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. The construction of this pair is evocative of the more robust Arts and Crafts Movement, featuring subtle decorative elements such as the finials atop the backs. The sphere-shaped finials aren’t the only ornamentations on the design; the shape of the two splats on the back, the carved stretchers and carving on the feet are all decorative features that make this pair visually arresting. In later turned chairs, like this pair, rush seats were common. Here, the seats are woven around the frames with a light colour that beautifully contrasts to the dark, patinated wood. The partnership of the two natural materials is very effective as well; the wood and rush pair flawlessly to showcase the skill of the maker. The thick legs are joined by box stretchers arranged at different heights, enhancing the square-shape of the design.
The details of these turned chairs point to the involvement of a great cabinetmaker. Nowadays, turned furniture are mostly made by automated machinery, therefore handcrafted pieces like this pair are increasingly rare and valuable.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches on the wood. The wood has a beautiful patina.
Dimensions:
18.3 in W x 16.14 in D x 33.46 in H; Seat height 17.71 in
46.5 cm W x 41 cm D x 85 cm H; Seat height 45 cm
Shipping:
These chairs will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention to make sure you will receive the item in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.
IMPORTANT!
VAT normally applies and will be added to items when purchased by a European buyer or transported to a location within the EU. -
More Information
Period: 1920-1949 Materials: Wood, Rush Condition: Good. In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches on the wood. The wood has a beautiful patina Creation Date: ca 1940s Number of Pieces: 2-3 Styles / Movements: Traditional, Other Dealer Reference #: 88880140 Incollect Reference #: 652574 -
Dimensions
W. 18.31 in; H. 33.46 in; D. 16.14 in; W. 46.5 cm; H. 85 cm; D. 41 cm; Seat H. 17.72 in; Seat H. 45 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