Arthur Espenet Carpenter Armchairs

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

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 Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Rare Pair of Wishbone Chairs by Arthur Espenet Carpenter

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 Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Arthur Espenet Carpenter 'Sedua Wishbone' Armchair

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Set of Six Oak "Wishbone" Chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son

H 28.5 in W 21.25 in D 20 in

Pair of Clarence Chairs

By Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Two Napoleon III armchairs with gold velvet upholstery. Turned wooden legs with dark walnut finish.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Napoleon III Arthur Espenet Carpenter Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

H 42 in W 30 in D 34 in

Pair of Wingback Chairs, c. 1830

Located in Greding, DE

Pair of Biedermeier wingback armchairs in cherry with upholstered backs, armrests and seats. The armchairs have been newly upholstered and restored.

Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Arthur Espenet Carpenter Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Cherry

Pair of Wingback Chairs, c. 1830

H 33.67 in W 24.81 in D 29.53 in

Arts & Crafts Oak Armchair By Arthur Simpson

By Arthur Simpson

Located in Petworth, GB

Arts & Crafts oak armchair with close-nailed original leather upholstery Sweeping curved arms and arching back legs Carved Celtic style fret work design Arthur Simpson of Kendal ...

Category

Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Arthur Espenet Carpenter Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Arts & Crafts Oak Armchair By Arthur Simpson

H 38.59 in W 28.35 in D 35.44 in

Pair of Green Tufted Chairs

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Unique pair of Mid-Century Modern style green leather chairs. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pair of Green Tufted Chairs

H 28 in W 26.5 in D 27 in

Previously Available Items

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 Armchairs

Pair of Arthur Espenet Carpenter "Wishbone" Armchairs

H 32 in W 23 in D 20 in

Arthur Espenet Carpenter armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Arthur Espenet Carpenter armchairs 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 armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs 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 armchairs by McGuire Furniture Company, Bernhardt, and Donghia. Prices for Arthur Espenet Carpenter armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $38,800 and can go as high as $95,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $66,900.