Armchair
1685-1693 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This armchair is typical of the style of the 1680s, with elaborate carving and a high, caned back and seat. Almost all the parts are carved in the form of the letter S, apart from the sides of the chair-back and some of the stretchers below the seat.
Design & Designing
The decoration on the stretcher between the front legs, as with many chairs of this date, is identical to that running along the top of the chair-back. It is formed of two scrolls framing a crowned rose. Roses and crowns were frequently used in this way on chairs, to suggest loyalty to the King and country. The rose was the symbol of England.
Materials & Making
Caned chair seats and backs were introduced in Britain in the 1660s. The fashion derived from imported Indian chairs, and the cane was imported from East Asia by the East India Company. Cane was cheap and chairs with cane seats tended to be light and portable. Seat or 'squab' cushions were generally used over the cane, for comfort and to protect the cane.
This armchair is typical of the style of the 1680s, with elaborate carving and a high, caned back and seat. Almost all the parts are carved in the form of the letter S, apart from the sides of the chair-back and some of the stretchers below the seat.
Design & Designing
The decoration on the stretcher between the front legs, as with many chairs of this date, is identical to that running along the top of the chair-back. It is formed of two scrolls framing a crowned rose. Roses and crowns were frequently used in this way on chairs, to suggest loyalty to the King and country. The rose was the symbol of England.
Materials & Making
Caned chair seats and backs were introduced in Britain in the 1660s. The fashion derived from imported Indian chairs, and the cane was imported from East Asia by the East India Company. Cane was cheap and chairs with cane seats tended to be light and portable. Seat or 'squab' cushions were generally used over the cane, for comfort and to protect the cane.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Carved and turned walnut, with caned panels |
| Brief description | Armchair - caned, England, 1685-1693 |
| Physical description | Arm-chair of carved walnut. The openwork back consists of (a) a top rail pierced and carved with a crowned rose between two volutes, (b) two turned uprights surmounted by knobs and continous with the back legs, and (c) a centre panel carved with a vertical band of leaf ornament between canework; the framing on either side of the canework, the arms and their supports , and the front legs are all in the form of volutes. Between the front legs is a rail similar to the top rail of the back; there are besides four turned rails. The seat is rush-covered. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | 'T.B.' (Makers marks) |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Caned chairs, introduced in the 1660s were inspired by Indian ebony chairs with caned seats. This one is typical of the late 1680s with its carved S scrolls. The back uprights and stretchers were made by turning on a lathe. The crowned rose on the front stretcher and cresting of the back represents loyalty to the British monarchy.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | Armchair purchased from Ernest Streeter for £15, 8 Gorden Square, Petworth Chipped; rush-work broken See RP's 24005/1899, 26573/1899 Notes from R.P. 1899/90132 Listed on report of receipt of 16 July 1899 "1 Arm Chair, carved wood with rush seat and cane back, ornamental with a Rose and Crown (chipped & seat damaged)". 3/7/99 Minute paper This is a good example of an English chair of the second half of the 17th century and would be a desirable purchase at a more reasonable price. Suggests £15. No further info. on R.P. |
| Summary | Object Type This armchair is typical of the style of the 1680s, with elaborate carving and a high, caned back and seat. Almost all the parts are carved in the form of the letter S, apart from the sides of the chair-back and some of the stretchers below the seat. Design & Designing The decoration on the stretcher between the front legs, as with many chairs of this date, is identical to that running along the top of the chair-back. It is formed of two scrolls framing a crowned rose. Roses and crowns were frequently used in this way on chairs, to suggest loyalty to the King and country. The rose was the symbol of England. Materials & Making Caned chair seats and backs were introduced in Britain in the 1660s. The fashion derived from imported Indian chairs, and the cane was imported from East Asia by the East India Company. Cane was cheap and chairs with cane seats tended to be light and portable. Seat or 'squab' cushions were generally used over the cane, for comfort and to protect the cane. |
| Associated object | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 702-1899 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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