Object Description
A beautiful Harlequin set of six solid mahogany Chippendale Revival dining chairs, mid 19th century in date.
They have been crafted from hand carved solid mahogany, each with a pierced splat back, drop in seats and raised on square cut supports with stretchers. The seats have been upholstered in blue and silver patterned fabric. The chairs are a rich mahogany colour with a striking grain and good patina.
The set comprises four side chairs (one with a slightly different splat back) and two armchairs.
Condition:
In good condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 97 cm x Width 57 cm x Depth 54 cm – Armchairs
Height 92 cm x Width 52 cm x Depth 51 cm – Side chairs
Height 47 cm – Seat height
Dimensions in inches:
Height 3 foot, 2 inches x Width 1 foot, 10 inches x Depth 1 foot, 9 inches – Armchairs
Height 3 foot x Width 1 foot, 8 inches x Depth 1 foot, 8 inches – Side chairs
Height 1 foot, 6 inches – Seat height
Mahogany
is probably one of the largest ‘families’ of hardwood, having many different varieties within its own species.
Mahogany has been used for centuries in ship building, house building, furniture making etc and is the core structure of just about every 19th century vanity box, dressing case or jewellery box. It became more of a Victorian trend to dress Mahogany with these decorative veneers, such as Burr Walnut and Coromandel, so that the actual Mahogany was almost hidden from view.
Mahogany itself is a rich reddish brown wood that can range from being plain in appearance to something that is so vibrant, figured and almost three dimensional in effect.
Although Mahogany was most often used in its solid form, it also provided some beautifully figured varieties of veneer like ‘Flame’ Mahogany and ‘Fiddleback’ Mahogany (named after its preferred use in the manufacture of fine musical instruments).
Cuban Mahogany was so sought after, that by the late 1850′s, this particular variety became all but extinct.
Our reference: A3862