Very Unusual Faux Wicker and Rexine Upholstered Open Armchair, circa 1890

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Very Unusual Faux Wicker and Rexine Upholstered Open Armchair, circa 1890

About the Item

The unusual late 19th century open armchair of carved wood being naturalistically modelled as faux latticed wickerwork, having a slat-hoop back to shaped arms with slat supports with a drop in midnight-blue rexine upholstered seat, the whole on tapering legs with pad feet, possibly surviving from Sweden and the end of the 19th century. The condition of the chair is just at the right level of decorative, yet fully useable, stabile and without loss. The rexine covered drop in seat has some small tears though nothing of major concern and again has a decorative feel. The stained faux wicker decoration is now beautifully worn in the right areas, most appropriately to the arms with a super patina and some bitumen deposits. She is stabile and ready for use, with the back being rather vertical she would make an ideal hall or occasional desk chair. The artistic imitation of grains in various media is similar to faux bois and this chair is an extension to that idea but we have never seen a piece that is imitating wickerwork in this way before. This type of Craft has roots in the Renaissance with trompe-l'œil and probably first crafted with concrete using an iron armature by garden craftsmen in France called "rocailleurs" using common iron materials: rods, barrel bands, and chicken wire. Early examples of this type of work survive at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont opened for an exposition in Paris in 1867, though we cannot find any example of faux wicker or rattan work. A very unusual, possibly unique armchair with huge decorative appearance and Folk Art vibrancy.

Dimensions:
Height: 35 in (88.9 cm)Width: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
Style:
High Victorian (Of the Period)
Place of Origin:
Sweden
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1880-1900
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Please see description for full condition report and photographs for visual reference.
Seller Location:
Bedford, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 14961stDibs: LU194435099523