Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs

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 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 Chairs

Materials

Leather

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 Chairs

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 Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Arthur Carpenter Espenet Curved Back Arm Chair 1980c.

$16,000

H 25.75 in W 24.5 in D 20 in

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 Chairs

Materials

Teak

California Craft Arthur Espenet Carpenter Three Leg Counter Stool in Walnut

$16,000

H 44.5 in W 20 in D 17.5 in

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 Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

One-of-a-kind 1851 Great Exhibition Carved Armchair by Arthur Jones of Dublin

$265,962

H 57 in W 30 in D 31.5 in

One-of-a-kind 1851 Great Exhibition Carved Armchair by Arthur Jones of Dublin

Located in London, GB

*Winner of the 2022 Masterpiece Fair Furniture Highlight* The 1851 Great Exhibition Carved Bog Yew Armchair by Arthur Jones of Dublin Carved entire...

Category

19th Century Irish Antique Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Yew

1970s Italian chair in Cowhide and Chrome - Italy, 1970s

$582

H 31.89 in W 20.08 in D 23.23 in

1970s Italian chair in Cowhide and Chrome - Italy, 1970s

Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland

Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Country: Italy Model: Desk chair / dining chair Design period: 1970’s Date of manufacturing: circa 1970 Size WDH in cm: 51x59x81 seat height 4...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs

Materials

Cowhide

Wishbone Chairs by Hans J. Wegner

$5,000 / set

H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in

Wishbone Chairs by Hans J. Wegner

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in New York, NY

An outstanding opportunity to acquire a versatile suite of ten CH36 Dining Chairs, this set was manufactured in Denmark in the 2010s by the esteemed producer Carl Hansen & Son. T...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Beech

George Nakashima Captain's Chair

$5,950

H 28 in W 24 in D 20 in

George Nakashima Captain's Chair

By George Nakashima

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

George Nakashima Captain's Chair Beautiful original Dark Surface wonderful spline details Clients name to underside of the chair

Category

1960s American Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Rare Pair of James Mont Style Bent Beech and Cane Arm Chairs

$4,600 / set

H 28 in W 22 in D 26 in

Rare Pair of James Mont Style Bent Beech and Cane Arm Chairs

Located in Atlanta, GA

A masterfully designed pair of bent beech wood chairs with hand caned back. In the James Mont designed King Cole Penthouse in Miami, Mont used this very cha...

Category

1960s American Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Chinese Red Lacquer Official's Chair, c. 1900

$980

H 39.5 in W 23.5 in D 18.25 in

Chinese Red Lacquer Official's Chair, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

The defining characteristic of a Chinese Officials Chair is the way that the back crest rail turns continuously into the back posts. Our artisan...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Hans J. Wegner Early Stamped Carl Hansen & Son CH-24 "Wishbone" Chair, 1950s

$3,295 / item

H 29.14 in W 21.66 in D 20.87 in

Hans J. Wegner Early Stamped Carl Hansen & Son CH-24 "Wishbone" Chair, 1950s

By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen

Located in Odense, DK

Rare model "CH-24" / "Wishbone" chairs from the very early years of the Carl Hansen & Sons production of Hans J. Wegner's iconic chair. The condition of both chairs is amazing and th...

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Oak

Arrben Chair Italy 1970s

$360

H 28.75 in W 15.36 in D 14.97 in

Arrben Chair Italy 1970s

By Arrben

Located in Čelinac, BA

Arrben leather dining chair Italy 1970

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs

Materials

Metal

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Roll-Top Desk 1979

$78,000

H 39.25 in W 54 in D 32 in

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 Chairs

Materials

Felt, Walnut

Folding chair, 1970s

$202Sale Price|20% Off

H 31.11 in W 17.72 in D 14.97 in

Folding chair, 1970s

Located in Ljubljana, SI

Folding chair Period: 1970s Manufacturer: Italy Material: Hard wood, cane Colour: White Condition: good original vintage condition, signs of use di...

Category

1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs

Materials

Cane, Hardwood

Previously Available Items

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 Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Arthur Espenet Carpenter chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Arthur Espenet Carpenter chairs 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 chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Arthur Espenet Carpenter were created in the modern style in united states during the late 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Donghia, Ralph Lauren, and General Fireproofing Company. Prices for Arthur Espenet Carpenter chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $14,500 and can go as high as $38,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $15,675.