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Rare 19th Century High-Backed Ethiopian Chair With Wonderful 'Dancing' Form

About the Item

This amazing nineteenth-century high-backed chair, from the Gurage culture in Ethiopia, has many unusual characteristics. The solid, bowl-shaped seat of the chair is supported by three legs, which bow inwards before veering outwards as they reach the floor. This results in a wonderful sense of movement, in which the chair appears to be dancing! Located above each leg of the chair are three protruding decorative 'knots', which, combined with the shape of the legs, are very unusual features which I have never personally seen before on an Ethiopian chair. The high, angled backrest of this chair leans sightly to one side, and displays a series of attractive cut-out square decorations. Parts of the chair's surface were once adorned with red paint, which has become faded and worn over time. Considering the age of this piece, and therefore its history of use, this medium to large-sized high-backed chair is in good condition. ‍Ex Private Collection, UK Estimated Period: 19th Century
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 35 in (88.9 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wood,Carved
  • Place of Origin:
    Ethiopia
  • Period:
    19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU8736237026232
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