19th Century Renaissance Revival X-Chair / Savonarola Armchair, Austria ca. 1860

One of kind 19th century Renaissance revival so-called "Savonarola" armchair from the period around 1860 in Austria. This truly beautiful example, elaborately handcrafted out of solid walnut, impresses with amazing looking carved details all over. Just have a look at the mystic faces at the end of the armrests or the great worked panther heads on the tops of the backrest. These exceptional kind of armchairs with an X-shaped frame, also known as " scissor or Dante chairs", have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, often featuring carvings in the shape of animals or animal-skin draperies. Roman X-chairs are believed to have been used by magistrates and nobles. The X-chair was a light and practical form that spread through Renaissance in Europe. Newly upholstered with a gorgeous looking black and white patterned high quality fabric, confering this antique chair an absolute extraordinary look, this 19th century armchair comes in great old restored condition, showing an enchanting patina.