A rare, early-18th century, French, walnut, reclining, wing armchair upholstered in fine, 18th century, floral needlework
10006
The shaped back with wings. Upholstered in fine, 18th century, French, gross-point floral needlework worked in shades of blue, green, yellow, brown, beige and red. The outside back upholstered in a green, silk damask. The sides fitted with original, iron, and adjustable ratchets supporting the scroll arms which have old repairs and the reading slope removed. The shaped seat with a loose cushion. Standing on turned front and straight back legs, joined by side and central stretchers. Good original colour and patina. French, first half of the 18th century.
18th Century
1725
Walnut & needlework
France
Surviving reclining armchairs are uncommon, and this is a particularly fine example. It is hard to date precisely as the turned base is very much in the 17th century manner, and it is most likely a transitional piece dating from the first quarter of the 18th century. Whether the needlework is original to the chair is debatable. The strong, unfaded yellow of the needlework on the lower back of the chair, where the cushion rests against it, indicates that the needlework has covered it for a very, long time. The fading on the arms, and the top and outside of the back and wings also supports this.
