Object Description
A rare and unusual pair mahogany ‘Klismos’ chairs of the early Regency period, in the manner of Marsh and Tatham
Two pairs available.
England, circa 1810.
Why we like them
This model is one of the most elegant Regency chairs that we have handled. Their bold spread of the front legs, the deep rake of the backs is smartly balanced by the delicate thinness and refinement of the lines. We particularly like the swagged backs. A very chic addition to an eclectic or modern interior.
Design
These handsome chairs, conceived in the Grecian manner, allude to Arcadia with their tablet backs, enriched with festive swags and libation paterae. Their highly unusual, superbly graphic profile with boldly scrolled front legs and raked back, is inspired by ancient Greek ‘Klismos’ chairs, often depicted on Attic pottery starting from circa 400BC. Their symbolic ornament derives from the French ‘antique’ style promoted by the connoisseur Thomas Hope (d. 1842) and popularised through the guide to his London mansion entitled, Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, London, 1807.