Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

The San Francisco area woodworker Arthur Espenet Carpenter was one of the most celebrated figures in the postwar American Studio Furniture movement. Like George Nakashima, Sam Maloof, Wendell Castle and other craftsmen of the era, Carpenter built furniture both as a means of creative expression and for the simple personal fulfillment of making a thing well. The excellence of their work stood in high relief against the mass-produced goods made of synthetic materials that became prevalent in the mid-20th century. Born in New York City during the Jazz Age, Carpenter earned a degree in economics from Dartmouth College and initially intended to become an accountant, like his father. But after serving four years in the United States Navy in the Pacific during World War II, Carpenter had a change of heart about entering the business world. Back in New York, he became an Asian-arts dealer but finally found a true sense of direction when visiting the “Good Design” shows held in that era at the Museum of Modern Art. Carpenter was particularly taken with the hand-turned wooden bowls by James Prestini and decided he wanted to make objects himself. To get far from New York, he drove to San Francisco at age 28, bought a lathe and, with the help of a G.I. Bill small-business stipend, opened a woodworking shop in the Mission District. Carpenter started out making bowls, sold through local high-end retailers such as Geary’s. His skills improved, and within a few years Carpenter had moved to the coastal town of Bolinas, California, where he built furniture on commission. His national reputation was sealed when in 1972 — somewhat to Carpenter’s own surprise — his designs were shown by the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery in the exhibition “Woodworks,” alongside those of Nakashima, Maloof, Castle and the Philadelphia-area craftsman Wharton Esherick. Carpenter defined a new design aesthetic now known as the “California roundover” — a style characterized by flowing lines and gently-contoured edges that make wood feel almost supple to the touch. The graceful and comfortable Wishbone chair, so named for the tapered supports that form its legs, is Carpenter’s signature design. The chairs, typically made of black walnut, are usually priced in the range of $20,000 a piece. Because of its simplicity and economy of materials, Carpenter’s furniture works well in any informal, unfussy decor — though it is particularly striking in a modern environment. As you will see on these pages, the work of Arthur Espenet Carpenter is both friendly and exquisite. The quality of its craftsmanship is impeccable, and it exudes the gentle warmth of the lovingly handmade object.

Creator: Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Arthur Carpenter Espenet Curved Back Arm Chair 1980c.

$16,000

Arthur Carpenter Espenet Curved Back Arm Chair 1980c.

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Chicago, IL

Arthur Carpenter Espenet Curved Back Arm Chair 1980c. A sculptural studio-crafted armchair by Arthur Espenet Carpenter, executed circa 1980. Celebrated for his masterful joinery and ...

Category

1980s American Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Teak

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Roll-Top Desk 1979

$78,000

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Roll-Top Desk 1979

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Chicago, IL

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Roll-Top Desk 1979, in American black walnut. Features:Inlay rosewood butterflies. Three pencil drawers lined in felt. Multiple drawer and puzzle storage bo...

Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Felt, Walnut

California Craft Arthur Espenet Carpenter Three Leg Counter Stool in Walnut

$16,000

California Craft Arthur Espenet Carpenter Three Leg Counter Stool in Walnut

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Chicago, IL

California Craft Arthur Espenet Carpenter Three Leg Counter Stool in Walnut Features original woven leather slung seat with sculpted wood L-shape frame. The stool has a 360 degree sw...

Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Leather, Walnut

1960s Bar Stool by Arthur Espenet Carpenter, American Craftsman

$15,115

1960s Bar Stool by Arthur Espenet Carpenter, American Craftsman

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Berlin, DE

Bar stool in Rawhide by Arthur Espenet Carpenter, 1960s. Arthur Espenet Carpenter (1920-2006) was an American furniture designer and craftsman. He was born in San Francisco, Californ...

Category

1960s American American Craftsman Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Signed Arthur Espenet Carpenter Rawhide Stool

$15,000

Signed Arthur Espenet Carpenter Rawhide Stool

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in New York, NY

Signed, Arthur Espenet carpenter (American, 1920-2006) Rare, Rawhide stool, circa 1972. Rawhide stool was made through a process known as bent lamination,” in which the seat frame an...

Category

1970s American American Craftsman Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Arthur Espenet Carpenter, "Wishbone” Chair circa 1970s, Stamped

$16,500

Arthur Espenet Carpenter, "Wishbone” Chair circa 1970s, Stamped

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Wargrave, Berkshire

Arthur Espenet Carpenter, California, USA, circa early 1970s "Wishbone" chair of African Hyedua and brown leather strapping. Stamped to the underside "Espenet", he chose not to sign ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Leather

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Unique Stool - Walnut and Steel (circa 1965)

$8,500

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Unique Stool - Walnut and Steel (circa 1965)

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Chicago, IL

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Unique Stool - Walnut and Steel (circa 1965) This striking unique stool, designed by Arthur Espenet Carpenter, features a combination of welded wrought iron ...

Category

1960s American Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron

Arthur Espenet Carpenter 'Sedua Wishbone' Armchair

$30,000

Arthur Espenet Carpenter 'Sedua Wishbone' Armchair

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A 'Sedua Wishbone' armchair by Arthur Espenet Carpenter, in walnut with leather straps, circa 1972. Stamped.

Category

Mid-20th Century Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Captains Chair. Red Lacquer, Black Leather. Signed.

$14,850

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Captains Chair. Red Lacquer, Black Leather. Signed.

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Kansas City, MO

Rare "Captains Chair" by Arthur Espenet Carpenter. Original red lacquered wood and black leather seat. Overall very good condition with areas of wear including where the legs meet ...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Rare Pair of Wishbone Chairs by Arthur Espenet Carpenter

$38,800 / set

Rare Pair of Wishbone Chairs by Arthur Espenet Carpenter

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Atlanta, GA

A rare pair of wishbone armchairs studio made by Arthur Espenet Carpenter (1920-2006), Bolinas, CA. In grained walnut with visible dowel construction, a shaped back that continues in...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Low Stools by Arthur Cunningham New Hampshire Craftsman

$2,200 / item

H 12 in W 21 in D 12 in

Pair of Low Stools by Arthur Cunningham New Hampshire Craftsman

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A pair of unusual three legged stools by Arthur Cunningham, Manchester, New Hampshire. Vintage circa 1960s with great patina and character.

Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Modern Counter Stools in Walnut, Cicely Collection

$1,550 / item

H 25 in Dm 15 in

Modern Counter Stools in Walnut, Cicely Collection

By Bertu Furniture

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

These walnut counter height cicely stools are beautifully constructed from solid walnut in Ohio, USA. This stool was style-spotted ...

Category

2010s American Modern Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Walnut

Maxwell Royal American High Back Arm Lounge Chair c 1950's

$1,200

H 50 in W 25 in D 20 in

Maxwell Royal American High Back Arm Lounge Chair c 1950's

By Maxwell Royal Chair Company

Located in New York, NY

Voguish, chic and stylish high back arm, lounge chair by The Maxwell Royal Chair Company. The chair features a sculptural exposed wood frame with upholstered back rest and seat cushi...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Nautilus Shell Back Arm Lounge Chair

$575

H 34.5 in W 29.5 in D 22.5 in

Nautilus Shell Back Arm Lounge Chair

By Lloyd Loom

Located in New York, NY

Iron and wicker Nautilus Shell back lounge chair. This chair has a wicker wrapped iron frame, the wicker wrapping show some minor loss, and the...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron

Arthur Umanoff Stool, Metal, Grasscloth, United States, 1950s

$3,500

H 14 in W 18 in D 13.75 in

Arthur Umanoff Stool, Metal, Grasscloth, United States, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A metal and grasscloth stool designed by Arthur Umnaoff and produced in the United States, 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 13.5"

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Metal

Clarkester Counter Stool Walnut Black

$494 / item

H 40 in W 18 in D 18 in

Clarkester Counter Stool Walnut Black

Located in Cincinnati, US

A perfect mix of Scandinavian inspiration and industrial flare that cohesively come together to make a statement piece which embodies simplicity, functionality and elegance. The ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Steel

Beachcomber Counter Stool in Walnut

$1,100 / item

H 24 in Dm 15 in

Beachcomber Counter Stool in Walnut

By Greg Mitchell

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Light and strong, the Beachcomber Counter Stool evokes the sight of an old wooden single hull; it's lean, sturdy mast together with the rigging worthy of the high seas. Constructed of hand shaped legs and stretchers, each piece is carefully fit and pinned with hardwood pegs and wedges to last for generations, much like the sea craft that inspire them. For every bar stool, we start with scrupulously chosen lumber; each board must consist of straight grain and have absolutely no defects. This is not just for aesthetics, the clear grain gives the stool its strength. The boards are then milled to dimension and shaped by hand using a combination of machines and time honored hand tools. They are then given a polish by taking thin shavings with well sharpened planes and spokeshaves; rarely is sandpaper used in our shop. Once assembled, the Beachcomber bar stool...

Category

2010s American Shaker Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Maple, Walnut

Mid Century Arthur Umanoff swivel stools - set of 4

$975 / set

H 42 in W 17 in D 17 in

Mid Century Arthur Umanoff swivel stools - set of 4

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Montréal, QC

4 Arthur Umanoff bar stools in remarkable condition. Varnish is mostly intact and steel only has a few spots of rust. Ball bearing swivels need lubrication but are all functional. ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Steel

Architectural Mid Century Arthur Umanoff Stool c 1960's

$675

H 16 in Dm 15 in

Architectural Mid Century Arthur Umanoff Stool c 1960's

By Washington Woodcraft, Arthur Umanoff

Located in New York, NY

Sophisticated architectural mid century stool deigned by Arthur Umanoff, for Washington Woodcrafts, circa 1960's. This example is in very good, clean original, ready to use condition...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Three Vintage Modern Arthur Umanoff Style Swivel Bar Stools

$2,100 / set

H 41.25 in W 16.75 in D 17 in

Three Vintage Modern Arthur Umanoff Style Swivel Bar Stools

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A striking midcentury set of three bar stools that boast slatted wood seats and backrests. The sturdy iron rod base tapers down to splayed feet showing quality construction. A conven...

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Iron

Single Midcentury Desk Chair

$300

H 31.5 in W 23 in D 19.5 in

Single Midcentury Desk Chair

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This elegantly simple desk chair features beautiful dark walnut wood and comfortable upholstery. Its simple style will blend effortlessly with any home office. It is extremely comfortable and would function just as well in any sitting room or home theatre...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Set of 3 Arthur Umanoff "Grenada" Stools

$1,200 / set

H 36 in W 17 in D 17 in

Set of 3 Arthur Umanoff "Grenada" Stools

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Three swivel stools with a strong iron frame desgined by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard's "Grenada" collection. Decorative scrolled seat back and round footrest. Measures: Adjusts ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Iron, Metal, Chrome

Previously Available Items

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Studio Craft Swivel Stool

Sold

H 44.5 in W 20 in D 17.5 in

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Studio Craft Swivel Stool

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Walnut studio craft swivel stool by California designer, Arthur Espenet Carpenter, circa 1970s. The stool features a woven leather slung seat with sculpted wood L-shape frame. The st...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Wishbone Chair

Sold

H 30.75 in W 21.75 in D 21.75 in

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Wishbone Chair

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Chicago, IL

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Wishbone Chair, Walnut Frame with vellum sling seat. Carved signature and number to the underside of the chair ‘Espenet 8010 3 ...

Category

1980s American Organic Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Materials

Walnut

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Wood Bench

Sold

H 16.75 in W 34 in D 19 in

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Wood Bench

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Arthur Espenet Carpenter (1920–2006) california craftsman wood bench. Signed "Espenet 69128" (made in 1969 and the 128th piece). We believe its eastern walnut...

Category

1960s Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Pair of Arthur Espenet Carpenter "Wishbone" Armchairs

Sold

H 32 in W 23 in D 20 in

Pair of Arthur Espenet Carpenter "Wishbone" Armchairs

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Pawtucket, RI

Finely detailed and rare pair of walnut "Wishbone" armchairs handcrafted by Northern California master craftsman Arthur "Espenet" Carpenter, circa 1999. Rarely seen matched pair of a...

Category

1990s American Organic Modern Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Arthur Espenet Carpenter seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Arthur Espenet Carpenter seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Arthur Espenet Carpenter seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Arthur Espenet Carpenter were created in the modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by John and Elinor McGuire, Wicker Works, and John Saladino. Prices for Arthur Espenet Carpenter seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $14,244 and can go as high as $95,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $25,750.