Set of Four Period Louis XV Carved Fruitwood Fauteuil Arm Chairs, France, circa the 18th Century.

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These are a stunning set, rarely found in a full collection of four - because these are generally easier to sell as a single chair than as a set of four, they are regularly broken up and sold individually. To find a set that has not been merely assembled, but literally is crafted by the same hand and at the same date, still intact after three hundred years is difficult and infrequent. They feature a beautiful pink upholstery, stitched to form stripes in the shape of diamonds throughout, tacked to the frame with decorative brass nails.

The crest of each chair features a bouquet of flowers with leaves flowing outward into a molded frame, serpentine along the sides and bottom around a comfortable upholstered back. Curved arms, upholstered at the center with brass tack lining, flow out from the back from pinned mortise-tenon joints into carved hand rests over incredibly molded and petite arm supports that curve in to join the seat frame with an S-scroll completing the design. The arm support proportions speak to the mastery of this set of chairs, noting just how thin the profile of each is and how delicately carved they are. The frame of the seat is carved long the apron with matching molding that flanks a floral bouquet. The four cabriole legs join the frame with exposed peg tenon-mortise joints behind floral carved knees before flowing in a perfect cyma-curve to terminate in understated foliate carved french toes - the carving on the toes is mirrored in the hand rests, where again the design is subtle and understated.

Each chair has a wonderful glowing finish, deeply polished with a warm patina. The exposed back reveals all construction details, each chair enjoying original tenon-mortise joinery with small wooden pins to lock the frame together perfectly for many centuries. They have such a broad number of design uses within a formal home, as a flexible set that can be used for a small dining room, a full parlor set, a breakfast table or as two sets of two chairs in different rooms. Strong and sturdy in all joints, this set will continue to be enjoyed for many generations to come if well cared for, and will certainly be a treasure passed down within your family.

Measurements:
34 1/4" high to crest x 20" deep x 22 1/2" wide; seat is 17" high over the ground

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Antique Furniture
Antique Chairs