18th Century and Earlier Benches

A large early English bog oak paneled back settle, circa 1680. Of generous proportions, with a series of railed panels on back and carved elements above, shaped downward sloping arm...

Rectangular with octagonal sides, turned legs and detailed X form turned stretcher.

Rare double Cathedra made from walnut wood, sculpted, and inlaid, around 1500 Origin: Southern Germany Period: Late 15th Century - Early 16th Century Height: 221cm Width: 146,5cm Depth: 60,4cm Walnut wood and inlaid Good state of conservation Description: This double cathedra in walnut wood was probably intended for an abbey, according to the sculpted decor. This cathedra is made from a symmetrical aspect and is divided into three levels. The bottom level has a base sustained by six feet. In the front, the base is decorated by four sculpted elements flattened with a “napkin fold decoration”. Each of the seat rises, revealing a trunk. The intermediate level in divided by three straight and solid armrests. The lower part of the backrest has two inlaid panels with “tarsia certosina” for geometric patterns. This technique also called “inlay in the mass” consists in digging a cavity in the wood to inlay decorative elements. Those panels are framed with the “tarsia a toppo” technique. The top level is divided in two elements. The top part of the backrest has two panels, where parchment patterns frame two badges. Three pinnacles dominate the summit of the backrest. The center of the backrest is sculpted in a rectangular shape. Inside, there are two niches with biblical characters: Saint Anthony the Great and the Virgin Mary. Saint Anthony the Great: Or Antony the Ermit is a monk considered as the father of the Christian monasticism. Born around 251 in Egypt, he withdraws very early into a spirituel solitude. Divine powers are conferred to Saint Antony thanks to the exorcism of the king of Catalonia’s family. But also, the piglet’s episode, born blind. During the XI century, a hospital Order is founded under the invocation of the saint which makes him a holy thaumaturgist. His iconography appears during this period, often represented as an old man with a bear wearing a hooded bute dress, characteristic of the monks of his order, sign of poverty. Also, wearing a long coat. This bas-relief takes back all its usual attributes. - The tau: holding in his left hand, which serves as an abbot’s crook. Also embroidered on his coat. - The bell: hanging from his right hand, also known as hermits’ attribute, used to repel demons. - The book of “la règle des Antonins”: sign of the diffusion of the Faith and the precepts of the Order. - The pig: first, from the piglet’s episode. Then he often is linked to demons, and has another function here: he represents firefighting, coming from the fact that his meat could cure ill people from ergot poisoning. In Italie, he’s known as “Antonio del porco”. - Flames: are associated to the French name of the ergot poisoning (“le feu saint Antoine”: Saint Anthony fire). This attribute is emerging during the XVI century. Furthermore, a nimbus crowns the hermit. The two olive branches symbolize peace. We can see resilience and the pain of the saint who bares the disease of humanity. The Virgin of the Apocalypse: Saint Antony is looking at the Woman of the Apocalypse. This biblical character appears in the twelfth chapter, described by Saint John. Theologians have recognized the appearance of the Virgin even though there are differences for this identification. As a matter of facts, to some, this figure could be the New Eve holding the New Adam in her arms. Other iconographic representations, such as the Immaculate Conception or the Assumption, use the Woman of the Apocalypse attributes. In fact, the Virgin is crowned by angels, holding the Christ. This representation of the Virgin of the Apocalypse is being formed during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. This iconography takes it rises during the XVI century. In our cathedra, the Virgin is standing up, wrapped in a long flowing drape falling down her feet. The collar of her tunic is decorated with embroidery and brocades. Mary is wearing her hair down, framing a calm and benevolent face, looking down. Two angels are crowning her, with gemstones. She seems to be holding a Christ gesticulating. The baby Jesus hangs on Mary’s neck. Finally, the Virgin is resting on a moon cross. The moon symbolizes the frontier between the incorruptible world and the corruptible one, which in the ancient tradition, used to be under the moon. And so, the Virgin seems incorruptible. Literature • RÉAU, Louis, Iconographie de l’Art Chrétien...

Rare pair 18 c. painted banquettes with storage cabinets.

Fine George III carved mahogany window seat having foliate carved scroll arms, fluted apron with paterae carved corners and central panel, standing on turned fluted legs with rib car...

Wonderful early Welsh pine country settle. Roomy storage, wonderful panels back and side, altogether charming.

This is a wonderful antique Italian Renaissance Revival walnut, specimen wood and marquetry decorated cassapanca or hall bench, made in Lombardy Italy and Circa 1780 in date. It is smothered in the most wonderful carved panels with fabulous inlaid marquetry decoration with fruit wood and bone inlaid marquetry panels depicting communal and hunting scenes. It has a hinged seat allowing access to the storage box below, and is raised on wonderful scroll feet Condition: In excellent original condition having only been cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 115 x Width 155 x Depth 60 Dimensions in inches: Height 3 foot, 9 inches x Width 5 feet, 1 inch x Depth 2 feet Marquetry is decorative artistry where pieces of material (such as wood, pewter or brass silver) of different colours are inserted into surface wood veneer to form intricate patterns such as scrolls or flowers. The technique of veneered marquetry had its inspiration in 16th century Florence. Marquetry elaborated upon Florentine techniques of inlaying solid marble slabs with designs formed of fitted marbles, jaspers and semi-precious stones. This work, called opere di commessi, has medieval parallels in Central Italian "Cosmati"-work of inlaid marble floors, altars and columns. The technique is known in English as pietra dura, for the "hardstones" used: onyx, jasper, cornelian, lapis lazuli and colored marbles. In Florence, the Chapel of the Medici at San Lorenzo is completely covered in a colored marble facing using this demanding jig-sawn technique. Techniques of wood marquetry were developed in Antwerp and other Flemish centers of luxury cabinet-making during the early 16th century. The craft was imported full-blown to France after the mid-seventeenth century, to create furniture of unprecedented luxury being made at the royal manufactory of the Gobelins, charged with providing furnishings to decorate Versailles and the other royal residences of Louis XIV. Early masters of French marquetry were the Fleming Pierre Golle and his son-in-law, André-Charles Boulle, who founded a dynasty of royal and Parisian cabinet...

This gorgeous bench was produced in the 1960s by Celina Decorações, which signed one of the most modern lines of Brazilian furniture at the period. It consists of a very well-constructed piece in solid Rosewood, with slats rhythmically positioned supported by two boards working as lateral feet. One of the most beautiful details to pay attention to is the slats' perfect straight finish on the edges that contrast and highlight the organic curves on Rosewood veins. Ideal for indoor uses, this bench offers statement seating in any space. Based in Rio de Janeiro, the Celina Decorações factory imposed high-quality standards, maintaining handcrafted characteristics. The company was created in 1951 when Munis Zilberberg takes over the family business - a small upholstery workshop that worked on refurbishing sofa beds and antique furniture. The name is a tribute to her mother, Celina Zilberberg...

Late 18th century Swedish Folk Art bench in solid raw pine. Ca 1790.

An exceptional and grand scale Cheese Making Board from the Catalan region of Spain - now as a table basse - coffee table. Soundly constructed from 2 very thick planks of naturally w...

Late 18th century French bench cover with Aubusson tapestry.

This exceptional pair of 17th-century Dutch hand-carved rustic oval-shaped stools possesses a unique historical charm. Crafted with meticulous detail during the 1600s, these stools f...

A very handsome 18th century Spanish bench constructed from solid board planks of walnut. Sensational patina. The seat height is 18 5/8".

Wonderful 18th century English pine settle with a gently curved form. It has a plank back with wing sides and gently curved arms, surrounding a single plank seat.

18th century English oak settle with a high back. Unusual format of five fielded panels at the back mirrored on the font panel, and ha...

A sensational and large scale pair of Italian 18th century Baroque Cassapanca polychrome benches. Each beautiful and statement making bench is raised by elegant curved supports with ...

Coffer or chest French 18th century carved oak French Provincial Country House Very decorative and full of character Decorated with geometrical motifs This chest has the ideal si...

A walnut, burl walnut and pine two drawer chest with inlay detail. This was originally a taller four drawer chest. It was most likely cut down to its current height in the early 20th...

Northern Swedish Folk Art bench from the late 1700s. The bench is Primitive and rustic and has a lot of character, especially given the original distressed paint and authentic patina...

18th century oak settle from England with a wonderfully hand carved decorated and paneled back and rolled arms over hand turned bobbin arms and front legs. The seat height measures 1...

Deep black/brown color. Constructed in a combination of pine & elm. Fully restored. C.1750. - We offer free shipping to the USA/Canada through Fedex with this item.

Antique fine quality Georgian oak settle bench seat C1790. Solid and strong, with no loose joints or woodworm. Full of age, character and charm. Would look great in the right l...

A fine French late 18th century bench / window seat or banquette, of great colour and desirable generous proportions. Stamped G.Jacob. France, circa 1795. Why we like it A handsome, timeless design. With its curved sabre legs at either end, this bench relates to the ancient Greek 'Klismos' seats, often seen depicted on Attic pottery...

Stunning 18th C Dutch original painted oak bench. 1780. Seat height is 17.5", seat depth is 25.5". Reference: 7381 Dimensions 81 inches (206 cms) Wide 28.5 inches (72 cms)...

Rare solid walnut chest with riser Rare chest with riser. The ashlars and lozenges are carved in solid walnut panels. Sixteenth-century line of th...

Antique chest in lacquered and painted poplar wood, richly decorated, with opening bench and shelf that can be raised (probably hiding a safe or something behind the wall against whi...

A beautiful pair of Italian 18th century Louis XVI period patinated wood and faux painted marble, storage benches. Each bench is raised by a straight base with a fine mottled border....

With wonderful old painted surface with good lines. With scrolled arms and cabriole legs in the French taste. Upholstered in a silk fabric with bolster pillows. From a Florida estate.

Gustavian country bench from the late 18th century. The bench is made in the very north of Sweden, close to the Finnish border in an area called Tornedalen. The bench is unusual and ...

18th century, pair of Italian Baroque lacquered and gilt wood benches This particular pair of baroque benches was made in Rome, Italy, in the second half of the 18th century. Their wooden structure is entirely sculpted, lacquered and gilded in Mecca. It consists of a seat with a profile moved from which depart two armrests characterized by arched elements, moved and culminating in curls. The effect of great movement is enhanced by the decorations of rocaille taste with volutes and leaves that surround them creating dynamism. The band under the seat, quadrangular and move, is decorated with rocaille elements and framed with reserve that creates curls in some points of connection. The six curved legs, characteristic of the Baroque era, are decorated with phytomorphic elements and end with a curly...

English oak Jacobean hinged coffer with carved molded edge top, three decoratively carved panels consisting of pinwheels, diamonds, and foliage motif while resting on the original ca...

An extremely rare, rustic, hand carved walnut Spanish seven foot long bench with outstanding patina. Crafted during the eighteenth century Colonial period, featuring a shaped back rail with well carved ornamentation, over a gallery of hand-turned spindles, above the single board plank seat, rising on tri-trestle base. The magnificent antique hall or dining table bench is in great shape, solid/sturdy, full of character and Old World charm. Having the highly sought after rustic, worn, and distressed appearance that can only be achieved from centuries of age and use. In Spanish Hacienda...

Rectangular brown leather top with brass tacking, raised on square section legs with box form stretcher. Estate of Douglas S Kramer. TV producer and art collector.

A very rare and unique English Oak bench, of triple chair-back form with three sections of turned spindles, topped by a wavy carved cresting, downswept op...

A hand-carved, 18th c., Italian walnut bench on turned legs and stretchers, now upholstered in a vibrant, contemporary, silk velvet.

We are delighted to offer this sublime circa 1720 George I burr walnut bench stool with ornately carved legs A very good looking well made and decorative piece with a glorious tim...

A terrific 17th century Arte Populaire bench from the Ardeche region of France. Soundly constructed from beautiful chestnut. Gorgeous patina. Perfect fo...

This cathedra or chayère chair is conceived following rules of monumental architecture. The seat can be lift open to reveal a chest. Both curved arm-rests are supported by a baluster...

Early Swedish pine bench from northern Sweden. The bench is a very early version of a seat or sofa and this one also has a reversible backrest. It’s an unusual piece due to its age a...

With lifting lid to the seat, the plank top folding over to make a tavern table, and extensive marks, blacksmith and notches to the arms and overall surface. Table dimensions: He...

Bench Swedish Baroque 18th century original paint Sweden. A bench made during the Baroque period in Sweden 18th century. Left overs of or...

Seventeenth century bench from central Italy (Umbria/Tuscany). This type of furniture was frequently seen in noble residences and often the decorations reproduced the coats of arms ...

A very stunning and very elegant Louis XVI period banquette from the Provence region of France. Soundly constructed from painted wood with 5 fluted and tapered legs. The central leg ...

17th century English oak lift up top long trestle bench, circa 1700 This magnificent and impressive English trestle bench, made from heavy oak, stretches approximately 5 ½ feet long. The lift up top, with hand forged hinges...

Very decorative painted bench with a serpentine shaped high back, decorated with a scenic landscape and framed by leafy scrolls, foliate seat rail and remains of polychrome on the se...

An exceptional late George II mahogany settee, made for Anne Basset, daughter of Edmund Prideaux, 5th Baronet of Netherton, attributed to William Hallett...

A wonderful pair of extremely long French mid 18th century Louis XIII st. patinated cream benches. Each bench is raised by bottom ball feet below blocks. T...

A striking and large scale Italian 18th century Louis XVI period giltwood bench. The bench is raised by handsome paw feet below most attractive X shaped supports. The supports are co...

17th century English oak joint stool / bench Jacobean style stool / bench Hand crafted English oak Measures: 18" wide x 12" deep x 16" high. The oak shows some distress...

One could be forgiven for thinking Claude Sené was a poor speller and dyslexic, since his stamp has a ‘G’ initial for Claude, and an inverted ‘N’ in Sené. ...

Antique bench in precious Italian brown walnut, with 3 carved panels, 2 wavy, hand-sculpted in the 18th century, by a craftsman in Italy. From Piedmont, beautiful patinated wood and...

English Regency stenciled and gilt tufted upholstered settee with decorative floral motif, stenciled scrolled arms, and resting on turned ringed legs rea...

A Swedish period Baroque three-chair back carved-wood sofa, with upholstered seat, from the 18th century. This fabulous hand carved wood bench features three carved back splats for resting, flanked within wood arm rests at each far end. The top rail is adorn with four finials...

A very wonderful 18th century high back bench from the Catalan region of Spain. This terrific bench has a tabletop that folds down. Soundly constructed from naturally washed pine. Th...

An unusual late 18th century Adam period carved mahogany window seat, having serpentine back and seat with scrolled out-swept arms, decorated with...

English Hepplewhite mahogany serpentine back settee with carved scrolled arms, upholstered striped silk and terminating on squared tapered legs with connecting stretchers, Late 18th ...

18th century Welsh oak settle with nailhead trimmed upholstered seat, four fielded panels to the back, a molded rail at the top and shaped arms all sitting on turned baluster legs wi...

Beautiful, rare pair of 18th century carved mahogany Chippendale window seats / Benches. Some restoration is needed.