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Empire Style Pair Of Italian Chairs "King" With "Vienna Straw"
About the Item
Empire Style Pair of Italian Chairs (Lucca) "King" with "Vienna Straw"
We kindly suggest you read the entire description, as we aim to provide detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our items.
This fascinating and rare pair of Italian armchairs, known as the "King" or "Antique Master" model, were crafted between 1870 and 1875 in an artisan workshop in the city of Lucca, Italy. Finding a pair of such origins is a rare exception. They are made of the finest quality walnut. The comfortable backrests feature a refined design and are finished at the top with an elaborate and extraordinary gilt wood carving of vine leaves. The legs and armrests have a simple and austere line. The front legs have two notable features: one is a golden wood insert at the height of the seat, and the other is a small sphere of black lacquered wood at the end of the legs, adding unique and sought-after aesthetic touches. Another significant feature of these chairs is the Vienna straw seat. This technique, which involves equidistant holes and woven plant material (drawn guinea cane), dates back to ancient Egypt. However, it gained worldwide popularity in the mid-19th century thanks to Austro-Hungarian cabinetmaker Michael Thonet, who in 1842 created chair No. 4 using this method for the Daum café on Vienna's Kohlmarkt. This chair has since become an icon of design history. Italian craftsmen, particularly in Tuscany and Piedmont, were also involved in producing Vienna straw chairs, known for their attention to detail and craftsmanship. In the late 19th century, Lucca was renowned for its thriving furniture industry, including the production of Vienna straw chairs. The city's skilled craftsmen used traditional techniques to create chairs, tables, and other furniture, often incorporating Vienna straw into their designs. The manufacturing process involved weaving Vienna straw into intricate designs for the seat and back of the chairs, making them both functional and decorative. Vienna straw, also known as "Viennese straw" or "Vienna net," is traditionally made from the stems of the European blackberry plant (Rubus fruticosus). Lucchese artisans and master straw makers moistened the Vienna straw with water before spreading it on the chair, patiently waiting for it to dry and become strong and firm. They used rush wicker to secure the Vienna straw in the channel of the chairs (see photo). Although Vienna straw might appear fragile, it can withstand heavy weight loads. Antique Master (or King) chairs are generally larger than standard chairs and were made for Masonic leaders, schoolmasters, council leaders, and heads of families. Anyone who owned and sat in a Master chair held a position of authority. The chairs have been treated with ancient manual restoration techniques by our team of craftsmen and are in excellent condition. We include the original cushions with the chairs free of charge, which can be used as templates to make new ones if desired. Measurements: Width 54 cm, depth 49 cm, height 91 cm, seat height 91 cm.
For all our shipments, we use special packing materials (custom-made wooden crates, styrofoam, etc.) to ensure maximum protection and safety of the items.
- Dimensions:Height: 35.83 in (91 cm)Width: 21.26 in (54 cm)Depth: 19.3 in (49 cm)Seat Height: 14.97 in (38 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Empire (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1870-1875
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been treated with ancient manual restoration techniques by our team of craftsmen and are in excellent condition. We attach the original cushions to the chairs free of charge; you can use them as templates to make new ones.
- Seller Location:Prato, IT
- Reference Number:Seller: 147091stDibs: LU4632239724162
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: PRATO, Italy
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