Chiavari brass chairs, a pair with original velvet upholstery,1950`s ca, Italy.
This elegant pair of antique Chiavari chairs in solid brass stand out from others with their dramatic decorative high backs. At the centre of each back there is an oval medallion containing symbols of the Italian Culture such as a book, a musical instrument & wine decanter. The front spindle legs are decorated like a classical column with capitals at the top. They finish at the bottom to a point & pod typical of the period. The back legs of solid brass run continuously upwardly to make the `stile` of the chair insuring this chair is very strong. The shape opens outwards from the seat to create a dramatic sense of movement. Each stile is finishing with a small circular medallion & an acorn-shaped finial. These are connected by a brass swag to the central medallion. Below this there are three spindles of the back rest each having an exaggerated elegant arrow-like shape.
Both chairs are maintain the original red velvet and the seats also have the original strapping which appears in good condition. The inside foam however has deteriorated making these chairs ideal for re-upholstering. As each seat is easily removable by unscrewing the 4 screws from the frame, the upholstery job should be simple. Each leg has at the bottom the original plastic stopper to protect the floor. The solid quality brass frames are strong and in very good structural form. Over time the brass has developed a warm antique patina which gives lots of character. The frames could be easily repolished but equally the aged patina is very attractive. They sell together and this price is for the pair.
The height of the seat from the floor is: 43 cm.
Chiavari Chair History
Chiavari chairs are named for the Italian city where they originated. This little town in the north of Italy began producing these chairs at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1807, Gaetano Descalzi designed a light, elegant, yet solid, cherry wood chair known as `Chiavarine`. The design was based on the Louis XV panel-back side chair however without the back upholstery. The chair eventually waltzed from the dining room to the ballroom. In 1953, the Kennedy’s used Chiavari chairs at their wedding, sealing the chair’s fate in history.
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