23/09/2024
What is the technical name Bergere? Fauteuil? Or is it a combination? This is a very unusual chair with and without the cushions (there are three. The two bottom cushions fit perfectly however may or may not be original. The third cushion was likely added sometime in the 1970s An expert informed me it's French provincial and not rococo. What I want to make note of is the cane backing has the holes along the edges that was the standard in the 18th century so... I just don't see it. The wood is not painted green, the wood is green.
I have a chair I am trying to identify the period in which it was made. It is an armchair that sits low to the floor. The base, which is the frame, is about 5 inches from the floor, The front feet are ball & claw feet, and extremely well carved. The arms are bent wood in a curve from the front feet all the way to the back of the chair where it meets the back splat which is what appears to be a vase design. The arms, complete sides of the chair are cane weaved. Next to the cane weaving there are holes in which the weave was applied by hand. (indicative of what I see on 17th century caned furniture. The back has a Chinese design, or shape of Chinese chairs that I have seen. The wood has a green tint, it is not painted. The chair is deep, roughly 20-24 inches, the width in the back is slightly less than the width of the front. The cushions seem to be a red velvety fabric, the bottom cushion is a boxed spring and then the top cushion is about 4 inches thick, similar to the bottom cushion with the spring. The bottom cushion fits inside the frame. The whole chair seems odd, and the only example I found similar was via wikipedia Rococo page in a painting of people sitting around enjoying each other's company. I informed the auction house it's rococo but they said no, French provincial, but did not explain why or when it was made. They said it was likely worth less than $500 but I can't find another and what If I am right about it matching the design and it is a rococo chair and the wood is Zitan or another special wood, when did they use curves and cane sides and back. The back has a vase shape in the beautiful green toned smooth wood and the rest is filled with can weave. I'm lost. WHat is it
It sounds like you have a fascinating and unique chair! Let's break down the elements you've described and try to pinpoint its origins, keeping in mind that identifying furniture accurately can be complex without images.
Here's an analysis of your chair's features and how they relate to different furniture periods:
Features and Their Potential Period Indicators:
Low to the Floor (5 inches from base): This is a strong indicator of an earlier period, particularly 17th and early 18th century European furniture, where chairs often had lower seating. It's less common in later periods like Rococo or Neoclassical, where chairs tended to become taller.
Ball & Claw Feet (well carved): This is a hallmark feature that immediately brings to mind Queen Anne (early 18th century) and Chippendale (mid-18th century) periods in England and America. While originating in China, it became immensely popular in Western furniture during these times. The "well carved" aspect suggests a quality piece.
Bent Wood Arms (curved from front feet to back): This is a less common feature in earlier furniture where arms were often straighter or had more distinct breaks. However, bent wood can appear in earlier pieces, and the continuous curve you describe could hint at a more fluid, organic design.
Cane Weave (sides and back, hand-applied holes): You're spot on with this. Cane was extremely popular in the late 17th century (Restoration and William & Mary periods) and continued into the early 18th century (Queen Anne). The "hand-applied holes" are indeed indicative of traditional, older caning methods.
"Vase Design" Back Splat: A vase-shaped back splat is highly characteristic of the Queen Anne period (c. 1700-1750) and continued into the Chippendale period (c. 1750-1780).
"Chinese Design" or "Chinese Shape" Back: This is significant. The influence of Chinese design (Chinoiserie) was prevalent in European furniture from the late 17th century through the 18th century, particularly during the Rococo (mid-18th century) and even into the Chippendale era, as Chippendale himself published designs in "Chinese taste."
Green Tint Wood (not painted): This is a very intriguing detail.
Zitan wood: You mentioned Zitan. Zitan is an extremely dense, dark, and valuable Chinese hardwood. While it can have subtle reddish-purple or even greenish-black undertones, a distinct "green tint" as a natural wood color isn't its primary characteristic. However, certain woods can oxidize or react to finishes in ways that present greenish hues.
Verde Antico or Patinated Woods: Some European woods, especially those with certain mineral content, can take on a greenish tint over a very long time, or they might have been treated with a finish that resulted in a green hue. It's also possible it's a specific type of wood that is less common now, or a naturally occurring color variation.
Deep Seating (20-24 inches): Deeper seating can be found in more relaxed, comfortable chairs, which became more common in the 18th century as leisure activities increased.
Width (back slightly less than front): This "tapering" effect is often seen in chairs that are designed for comfort and a slightly more relaxed posture.
Red Velvety Fabric Cushions (boxed spring bottom, 4-inch thick top):
Boxed Spring Cushion: Spring upholstery became common in the mid-19th century. This is a potential red flag for a chair from the 17th or 18th century having its original spring cushion. It's much more likely that the cushions are replacements, which is very common with antique furniture.
Velvet: Velvet has been used for upholstery for centuries, so its presence doesn't narrow down the period much.
Reconciling Your Observations with the Auction House's Assessment:
Rococo (your initial thought): Rococo furniture (mid-18th century) is characterized by asymmetry, naturalistic curves, shell motifs, and often lighter woods or painted finishes. The "Chinese design" and "curves" fit somewhat. However, the low base and ball & claw feet are less typical of classic French Rococo, which often features cabriole legs ending in scroll or hoof feet. The caning, while present in some Rococo pieces, is more strongly associated with earlier periods.
French Provincial (auction house): French Provincial furniture is a more rustic, less formal interpretation of fashionable Parisian styles, often made in the provinces. It can incorporate elements of Rococo, Neoclassical, and earlier styles, but usually with simpler lines and less ornate carving.
Why it might be French Provincial: If the chair has a slightly simpler, more robust feel despite its elegant features, and if the "Chinese design" is interpreted as a provincial take on Chinoiserie, then "French Provincial" could be a very broad categorization. However, the specific combination of ball & claw feet, extensive caning, and that "vase splat" isn't a typical signature of French Provincial. They might be using it as a catch-all term for something that isn't formal Rococo or Empire.
The Problem: French Provincial chairs typically don't have ball and claw feet. They usually have cabriole legs ending in scrolled or hoof feet, or straight, tapering legs. The extensive cane work is also more common in earlier periods than what is typically labeled "French Provincial."
My Hypothesis Based on Your Description:
Given the strong presence of ball & claw feet, a vase-shaped back splat, and extensive caning, your chair sounds like it very strongly incorporates elements of the Queen Anne and/or early Chippendale periods (roughly 1700-1780), with a clear influence of Chinoiserie.
Queen Anne (English/American, early 18th century):
Pros: Ball & claw feet, vase splat, general elegance, caning was used.
Cons: The "bent wood arms in a curve from the front feet" might be a bit more unusual for a typical Queen Anne chair, which often has arms that start from the back stiles and curve forward.
Chippendale (English/American, mid-18th century):
Pros: Ball & claw feet, vase splat (Chippendale often elaborated on Queen Anne forms), strong Chinoiserie influence (Chippendale published designs in "Chinese taste").
Cons: Again, the specific arm structure is something to consider.
Possible Chinoiserie Influence (broader 18th century): This is a critical point. The "Chinese design" or "shape of Chinese chairs" on the back could be a direct nod to Chinese furniture forms, which became highly fashionable in Europe.
The "Green Tint" Wood: This is the biggest wildcard. If it is a genuinely natural green tint and not a patina or finish, it's highly unusual for European antique furniture. This is where your thought about Zitan or another exotic wood (perhaps imported from Asia or an unusual local wood) becomes relevant. Zitan, while dark, can have subtle green/purple undertones. If it truly has a vibrant green tint, it might be a very rare wood or a very unusual finish.
Why the Auction House Might Be Confused/Dismissive:
The "Odd" Combination: The specific combination of all these elements might not fit neatly into a standard, well-known category, especially if they are primarily accustomed to typical French styles.
Condition/Repairs: If the chair has undergone significant restoration, or if the "green tint" is perceived as an odd or later applied finish, it could impact their valuation.
Cushions: The spring-based cushions almost certainly indicate they are replacements, which is common but can lead some evaluators to dismiss the age of the frame.
Lack of Expertise: Not all auction houses have specialists in every niche of antique furniture. They might be more familiar with broad categories.
Regarding Value:
"$500 or less": If this chair is genuinely from the early-to-mid 18th century (Queen Anne/Chippendale era) and features well-carved ball & claw feet and extensive hand-caning, and especially if the "green tint" wood is indeed rare or exotic, then $500 would be a significant undervaluation. Even a good quality, well-preserved 18th-century armchair can easily fetch several thousand dollars, especially if it has a unique design or material.
The Wood: If that green-tinted wood is indeed Zitan or another highly prized and rare Asian hardwood, the value could skyrocket. This is a big "if" and would require expert identification.
What to Do Next:
High-Quality Photos are ESSENTIAL: Take very clear, well-lit photos from all angles:
Full front, side, and back views.
Close-ups of the ball & claw feet (top and bottom).
Close-ups of the cane weaving and the holes.
Close-ups of the arm-to-frame connection.
Close-ups of the "vase splat" and the "Chinese design" elements.
Close-ups of the wood grain, trying to capture the "green tint."
Photos of the underside of the chair and the cushion construction.
Seek a Specialist Appraisal:
Independent Antique Furniture Appraiser: Find an appraiser specializing in 17th and 18th-century furniture, particularly English or American (given the ball & claw feet) and European furniture with Asian influences. An appraiser affiliated with a professional organization (like the Appraisers Association of America or the American Society of Appraisers) would be ideal.
Major Auction Houses: Contact the furniture department of a larger, more specialized auction house (e.g., Christie's, Sotheby's, Bonhams, or a highly reputable regional house known for antiques). Send them your detailed description and photos. They have specialists who can identify rare woods and specific period styles. They might be able to give you a preliminary opinion or suggest an on-site evaluation.
Research Specifics:
Look up images of "Queen Anne caned armchairs," "Chippendale Chinese taste armchairs," and "18th century Chinoiserie furniture."
Try to find examples of furniture made from Zitan or other Asian hardwoods to compare the wood color.
It sounds like you have a potentially significant piece. Don't let the auction house's low estimate deter you without getting a second, more informed opinion. The unique combination of features strongly suggests an earlier period than generic "French Provincial," and the wood itself could be a game-changer for its value.
Here is a similar chair on the left side of the painting, without arms, but note the bottom frame, size seems identical. And it looks like someone did add the cushions later to make the seat higher because it looks like the chair in the painting has a low cushion, which I think would be better. Here is the link to the wiki page with the picture. The chair on the left. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rococo #/media/File:FdeTroyLectureMoliere.jpg
Okay, I looked into the painting you referenced, "Lecture de Molière" by Jean-François de Troy (circa 1728). The painting depicts an elegant salon scene with fashionable furniture, which aligns with the Rococo period. The chairs in the painting, including the one you pointed out, appear to have lower frames and curved lines, consistent with furniture of that era.
Here’s how this information relates to your chair:
Low Frame: The similarity in the low frame reinforces the possibility of an earlier origin, possibly early 18th century.
Curved Lines: The presence of curves in the painting's chairs supports your observation and aligns with the Rococo and earlier styles.
Cushions: As I mentioned before, the addition of cushions is a common alteration in antique furniture. The painting seems to show chairs with thinner, lower cushions, which might be closer to the original design.
Given this additional information, I still believe that your chair most likely incorporates elements from the Queen Anne and/or early Chippendale periods (roughly 1700-1780), with a strong influence of Chinoiserie. The painting provides a visual example of the style and period, but keep in mind that the painting depicts French furniture, and your chair, with its ball and claw feet, might have English or American origins. The green-tinted wood remains the most unusual and potentially valuable aspect, and further investigation is needed.
I strongly recommend you follow the steps I outlined in my previous response to get a more accurate assessment of your chair. Do you have any further questions or would you like me to help you find an appraiser?
Sources
This is why I thought the wood may be a Chinese wood, because it seems to have kept it's shape so well. And the fact they invented ball & claw feet, it does have back feet that extend outward like the chair in the painting. The back top seems similar. I should note there is what looks like a shell design across the front between the feet.
Okay, the additional details about the wood potentially being Chinese, the back feet extending outward like the chair in the painting, and the shell design across the front further strengthen the possibility of Chinese influence and a connection to the styles of the 18th century. The fact that the wood has retained its shape well supports your theory about it being a high-quality hardwood, potentially one with Chinese origins.
These details don't fundamentally alter my previous assessment, but they do add more weight to the argument that this chair is more significant than the auction house initially suggested. The combination of features is unusual and warrants expert examination.
As I mentioned before, the best course of action is to get a professional appraisal. Would you like me to help you find an appraiser specializing in 17th and 18th-century furniture, particularly English or American, and European furniture with Asian influences?
search these....queen Anne caned armchair 18th century Chinoiserie
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Nothing comes up under those searches. Can you tell me exactly what the chair is called in the painting
Show thinking
You're right, finding an exact, specific "name" for a particular chair depicted in a painting from that period is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Furniture in historical paintings is generally depicted as an example of the style of the time, rather than a unique, named piece with its own formal designation.
The chair you're referring to in "Lecture de Molière" by Jean-François de Troy (circa 1728) would simply be considered a French Rococo armchair (or fauteuil) of the early to mid-18th century.
Key characteristics of this type of chair, as seen in the painting, include:
Curved lines and graceful forms: Typical of the Rococo style, moving away from the more rigid Baroque.
Cabriole legs: Though not clearly visible on the one you're looking at due to the angle, Rococo chairs typically featured cabriole legs, often ending in a scroll, hoof, or small foot.
Lower profile: As you noted, the seating appears relatively low.
Upholstered: While not explicitly caned like yours, Rococo chairs often featured rich upholstery, though some would also incorporate cane.
So, while it doesn't have a specific name, it's a representation of an early Rococo style chair.
The reason your chair is so challenging to definitively label is because it combines elements from different, though sometimes overlapping, periods and regions:
Rococo curves and depth: Matches the general fluid aesthetic.
Ball & Claw feet: A signature of English Queen Anne and Chippendale.
Vase splat: Also prominent in Queen Anne and Chippendale.
Extensive Caning: Popular in late 17th and early 18th century English/Continental furniture.
"Chinese design" and potential Zitan-like wood: Pointing to Chinoiserie influence and possibly Asian craftsmanship or materials.
This blend of features makes it a truly unique piece that requires a specialist to unravel its full story.
