Japanesque Adjustable-Back Armchair

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About the Item

Ebonized wood with bamboo turned stretchers, as well as reeded decoration on seat and back rails, topped by acorn finials. Adjustable brass rod and fitted brass sabot castors. Tight upholstered armrests, loose seat and back cushions. The adjustable-back armchair popularly known today as the “Morris Chair” was developed by architect Philip Webb (1831-1915) for Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. based on a vernacular version found by Warrington Taylor (1837-1870) in the workshop of Ephraim Colman, a carpenter in Herstmonceaux, Sussex, in 1866. Webb, who had designed William Morris’ home and much of the firm’s early furniture, adapted Taylor’s sketch into the standard adjustable-back armchair produced by the Morris firm starting from about 1869. It was available in an ebonized or mahogany finish and supplied with loose cushions, attached upholstered armrests and brass sabot castors. The present ebonized adjustable-back armchair relates to the typical Morris Chair in concept, but is very different in spirit and execution. Instead of the curved base, arm and back found on the standard chair, this version has diagonally angled elements that give the piece an almost Oriental appearance. Rather than bobbin turnings on its stretchers and arm spindles, this piece has faux bamboo turnings. These bamboo-like elements have distinctive double ribs that are similar to those found on a round table designed by Philip Webb for Morris & Co. circa 1868. That table was undoubtedly inspired by a Japanese altar table and demonstrates that – in spite of their “Old English” medievalizing tendencies – Webb and the Morris company appear to have been influenced somewhat by the Japanesque taste promoted at this time by E. W. Godwin. The relationship of this chair’s bamboo turnings to those of the cited Webb-designed table, the similarity of its form, function and upholstered components to that of the chair that Webb developed for Morris, and the fact that the current chair’s castors are identical to those found on the standard adjustable-back chair would suggest a Webb/Morris & Co. association. The Japanesque form of this piece – which retains its original ebonized finish – is extra-ordinary and demonstrates a uniquely innovative marriage of exotic inspiration and functional innovation. Literature: See Parry, Linda, William Morris. London: Philip Wilson Publishers, Ltd. and the Trustees of The Victoria and Albert Museum, 1996, p. 156, Fig. 68, and p. 178, J.29 for a discussion of adjustable-back armchairs; and also Kirk, Sheila, Philip Webb: Pioneer of Arts & Crafts Architecture. Great Britain: John Wiley & Sons, 2005, p. 50-52, relative to Philip Webb’s furniture designs. [En suite with Anglo-Japanesque Settee. Contact dealer.]

Attributed to:
Philip Webb (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 39.25 in (99.7 cm)Width: 28 in (71.12 cm)Depth: 34.25 in (87 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Wood
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
c. 1875
Condition:
Fine with original finish and brass sabot castors. Modern upholstery. Armrests retain original underupholstery.
Seller Location:
Southport, CT
Reference Number:
Seller: #5591stDibs: U120924950526