Walnut armchair with chinoiserie lattice back and sides and drop-in seat.
Identifier
FPF146
Title
Walnut armchair with chinoiserie lattice back and sides and drop-in seat.
Date
1760-1780
Description
A chinoiserie style walnut armchair with latticework back and side panels, and a drop-in seat.
Full Description
A walnut armchair in chinoiserie style, with a square back formed around a diagonal lattice or ‘paling’ of straight rails. The arms curve outwards to meet curved arm supports rising from the seat rail, enclosing further latticework which is curved in two dimensions. The front legs are straight while those at the back are flared to the rear. The front legs have chinoiserie brackets under the seat rails, although two are missing. The drop-in seat is covered with 20th century fabric. The lattice work in the back has been replaced.
The chair is similar to the designs for ‘Chinese Chairs’ published by Thomas Chippendale in his Director in 1754 and 1763, where he wrote that such chairs were ‘after the Chinese manner, and are very proper for a Lady’s Dressing Room, especially if it is hung with India paper. They likewise suit Chinese Temples.’ Ince and Mayhew published designs for Dressing Chairs in Chinese styles in 1762, as did Robert Manwaring in 1765. None of these is exactly like the chair under discussion, which is a relatively plain interpretation with no added carving or ornament, and yet complex to make. It is somewhat unusual in that is made in walnut, when mahogany would surely have been the preferred timber in terms of strength for a chair with such slender rails in the back and sides.
The chair is similar to the designs for ‘Chinese Chairs’ published by Thomas Chippendale in his Director in 1754 and 1763, where he wrote that such chairs were ‘after the Chinese manner, and are very proper for a Lady’s Dressing Room, especially if it is hung with India paper. They likewise suit Chinese Temples.’ Ince and Mayhew published designs for Dressing Chairs in Chinese styles in 1762, as did Robert Manwaring in 1765. None of these is exactly like the chair under discussion, which is a relatively plain interpretation with no added carving or ornament, and yet complex to make. It is somewhat unusual in that is made in walnut, when mahogany would surely have been the preferred timber in terms of strength for a chair with such slender rails in the back and sides.
Condition
In good condition. The lattice rails in the back are replaced, but well made.
Two of the leg brackets are missing.
The upholstery is 20th century.
Two of the leg brackets are missing.
The upholstery is 20th century.
Materials
Walnut.
Upholstery.
Upholstery.
Physical Dimensions
H. 86
W. 64
D. 50
W. 64
D. 50
Parker Numbers
Plastic label inside seat rail: ‘OM 877’.
Associated numbers: 2039 or 2049.
Associated numbers: 2039 or 2049.
Provenance
Acquired by Frederick Parker & Sons pre 1914, valued at £9.0.0.
Notes
Thomas Chippendale, The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker’s Director, London, 1754, plate XXIV and 1763, plates XXVI to XXVIII.
Ince and Mayhew, The Universal System of Household Furniture, London, 1762, plate XXXV.
Manwaring, Robert, The Cabinet and Chair-Maker’s Real Friend and Companion, London, 1765, plates 10, 11 and 12.
These can all be found in Pictorial Dictionary of 18th Century Furniture Design, The Printed Sources, compiled by Elizabeth White, Antique Collectors Club, 1990.
Ince and Mayhew, The Universal System of Household Furniture, London, 1762, plate XXXV.
Manwaring, Robert, The Cabinet and Chair-Maker’s Real Friend and Companion, London, 1765, plates 10, 11 and 12.
These can all be found in Pictorial Dictionary of 18th Century Furniture Design, The Printed Sources, compiled by Elizabeth White, Antique Collectors Club, 1990.
