Armchair Throne Pair Italian Walnut Red Mohair Velvet Armorial Renaissance

A rare pair of late-Renaissance, Italian, upholstered, walnut, throne, open, armchairs or coppia di seggioloni, retaining their original armorials These throne armchairs are characteristic of those found in Palazzo's in the Renaissance. They are elegant and substantial, injecting gravitas into the period or contemporary interior. It is exceptionally rare feature that they retain the original armorials with Ducal coronets which are beautifully worked in gold threadwork. One bears three fleurs-de-lys above three swords and the other a lion rampant. They are sturdy and usable and have a wonderful, lustrous, rich patina. The rectangular backs and seats re-upholstered in a c.1920 mohair velvet faced with braid and brass studwork and unusually with applied 17th century armorials, almost certainly original, embroidered with gold threadwork. The scroll shaped arms supported by elegant ring turned front legs joined by a central barley-twist turned stretcher. On sleigh bases with front paw feet. The back legs straight. Exceptional original colour and patina. Provenance: Private Italian Collection Reference: Similar chairs can be found in international museum collections. Similar armchairs illustrated in Furniture & Interior Decoration of the Italian Renaissance (Schottmuller) from Palazzo Davanzati Florence No 437, Figdor Collection, Vienna No 442

Measures: Height back 133cm., seat 59cm Width 69cm Depth back to arm 66cm., the sleigh foot 74cm.