Late 17th century furniture

(chair)
EUROPE : 1650-1700
17th century chairs
Unlike the solid and functional chair designs of the Tudor period, William & Mary furniture has
a focus on a unified decorative appearance, with smooth and scrolling features, woodturning
techniques and long backs. Some decorative elements appear curling, such as elegantly curved
legs. Upholstery is more commonplace, though sometimes just on the seat of a chair rather than
the back, which remains solid or decorative carved wood. Caned seats and backs can also be
found on William and Mary style chairs.

Craftmen and their influence

There was a lot of Local Influence, Craftsmen were deeply influenced by their local
surroundings, including regional materials, cultural traditions, and the preferences of their
patrons. Different regions had distinctive styles that were shaped by the availability of local
resources and the cultural context in which the craftsmen worked.they were also heavily
inspired by the kings preferences.
From the late 17th century onwards, inspiration in
British chair design is much more aligned with
European fashion, especially a Dutch influence from
William of Orange in the 1680s. The Dutch style was
itself influenced by the French court of Louis XIV and
the many French furniture makers who had fled in
exile in 1685 – this included interior designer Daniel
Marot who had a defining influence of the era.
Materials used were

1. Wood: Wood remained a primary material for chair construction. Oak, walnut, and
mahogany were commonly used. The choice of wood often depended on availability,
affordability, and regional preferences.

2. Gilding: Some chairs featured gilded surfaces, where gold leaf or gold paint was applied
for a luxurious and ornate appearance. This added a touch of opulence to the furniture

3. Upholstery Fabrics: Upholstery became more prevalent, with luxurious fabrics like
velvet, brocade, and damask being used. These textiles were often richly patterned and
contributed to the overall lavish aesthetic.

4. Leather: Leather upholstery, particularly in rich tones, was employed for a combination of
durability and a sophisticated look.
Colours used were

1. Rich Earth Tones: Colors like deep reds, greens, and browns were popular during this
period. These hues complemented the natural tones of wooden furniture and added
warmth and richness to interiors.

2. Gold and Metallics: Gilded surfaces, including gold leaf or gold paint, were used to
enhance the decorative elements of furniture. Gold accents added a sense of luxury and
grandeur.

3. Earthy Neutrals: Natural and earthy tones, such as beige and muted greens, were also
used. These colors were in harmony with the Renaissance emphasis on balance and
proportion.

4. Contrast and Ornamentation: Chairs were often designed with contrasting colors to
highlight details. Ornate carvings and inlays were highlighted with darker or lighter shades
to draw attention to the craftsmanship.
Types of chairs in 17th century
1.Throne Chairs:*Elaborately carved and decorated, these chairs were often
used by royalty or individuals of high social status.

2. Teakwood Chairs:Teak was a commonly used wood, and chairs crafted

from it were sturdy and durable. The design often incorporated intricate
carvings.

3.Peacock Chairs: Characterized by a distinctive peacock motif in the design,

these chairs were ornate and reflected the artistic preferences of the time.

4.Low Wooden Chairs: Many chairs were closer to the ground, with
minimalistic designs, reflecting practical and cultural aspects of daily life.5.
*Swing Chairs:* Hanging or suspended chairs were popular, offering a unique
and comfortable seating option.
SIDE CHAIR
American
1675–1700

Title: Side Chair

Date: 1675–1700
Geography: Made in New England, United States
Culture: American
Medium: Maple, oak
Dimensions: 45 x 18 1/2 x 15 1/2 in. (114.3 x 47 x 39.4 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1909
Accession Number: 10.125.195
SPINDLE-BACK ARMCHAIR
American
1660–1700

Title: Spindle-back armchair

Date: 1660–1700
Geography: Probably made in New England, United States
Culture: American
Medium: Ash
Dimensions: 46 1/4 x 24 7/8 x 17 5/8 in. (117.5 x 63.2 x
44.8 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1909
Accession Number: 10.125.691
JOINED ARMCHAIR
American
1650–1700

Title: Joined armchair

Date: 1650–1700
Geography: Made in Essex County, Massachusetts, United
States
Culture: American
Medium: Oak
Dimensions: 36 1/2 x 23 x 16 3/4 in. (92.7 x 58.4 x 42.5 cm)
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of the American Wing and Sansbury-
Mills Funds, Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Goelet Gift, Mrs. Muriel Gluck
Gift, in honor of Virginia and Leonard Marx, and The Max H. Gluck
Foundation Inc., The Virginia and Leonard Marx Foundation, and Mr.
and Mrs. Eric Martin Wunsch Gifts, 1995
SPINDLE-BACK ARMCHAIR
English
1685 - 1725
Wood
Walnut is a wood ideally suited to carving and is also light. Beech was also
sometimes used for antique English chairs of the Carolean era, often for
plainer models, and many antiques of these survive today.

Decoration
Arms and legs of antique englsih chairs of this period ended in a scrolling,
graceful sweep. Carving decoration was elaborate, employing carving of
oak leaves, eagles' heads, flowers, husks, and rosettes. A notable decorative
motif was cherubs holding a crown between them, perhaps a celebration of
the restoration of the monarchy.
WILLAM AND MARRY CHAIR
William and Mary Furniture featured ornate carving,
scalloping, and scrolling elements. For instance, chairs
typically featured spindles carved by turning on a lathe
and legs that ended in ornaments known as ball, hoof,
or turnip feet.
The design of the William and Mary chair was
influenced by the changing political and cultural
landscape of the time.This period marked the joint reign
of William III and Mary II, a time of relative stability after
the tumultuous events of the English Civil War and the
subsequent Stuart Restoration.The chair style reflects a
transition from the heavy, ornate designs of the
Jacobean and Carolean periods to a more refined and
balanced aesthetic.
OAK HALL CHAIR

A charming and unusual antique oak side chair dating from

circa 1700. With shaped top rail and pierced back splat
above a boarded seat on block turned legs with turned
stretchers. Lots of age and wear with lovely warm colour
and patina.

Construction/Wood:
Oak

Dimensions:
Height: 104cm
Width: 46cm
Depth: 39cm
Height to seat: 42cm
CARVED OAK CHAIR
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES
Oak, turned and carved

BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Chair, carved oak, South Yorkshire or North Derbyshire, 1650-1690

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Oak back stool of pegged mortice and tenon construction (the pegging
basically original), the back with two rails of arch form, with cut-outs
underneath, and carved with scrolls, and each with 3 pendants (inverted
goblet shape). The rear legs have inward scroll finials, and each has a split
baluster turning applied to the front face. The front legs and stretcher are
turned, the twin side and single rear stretchers plain and rectangular. The
sunken seat (10mm deep, for a cushion, missing) is formed by a softwood
panel (probably replaced) held in grooves in the seat rails. With a dark stain
overall.
French Walnut Tapestry Armchair
A rare late-17th century French walnut, commemorative,
open, vernacular, naive, folk armchair with incised
initials 'JFP' on the left hand side block and 'dFP' on the
right hand side block. Upholstered in the French style in
a cotton velvet with Aubusson tapestry panels in the
shaped back and seat, faced with braid and close nailed.
The walnut has an amazing lustrous patina and glows
like glass.
HUANGHUALI FOLDING HORSESHOE-BACK ARMCHAIR
LATE MING-EARLY QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY
With its majestic proportions and deceptively complex design,
this important folding chair embodies the subtle grace and
technical genius of 17th century furniture. As seen in the graceful
movement of the arms, the beautifully figured grain of the back
splat, and the robust construction of the crossed legs, this folding
chair suggests the power and importance of its original owner.
Though folding horseshoe-back armchairs are seen in Ming-
dynasty woodblock prints and in Song-dynasty paintings, there
are only a limited number of surviving examples dating to 17th
century. Of what furniture remains from the Ming period, the
folding horseshoe-back armchair is the rarest.
FLEMISH WALNUT ARMCHAIR
Netherlands, circa 1690
17th Century Flemish Walnut Armchair in the manner of
Daniel Marot.
A fine, large, late 17th century, Flemish, open armchair in
the style of Daniel Marot with an upholstered seat

This fine, armchair is an, unusually, large size and the

carving is of exceptional quality reflecting the status of the
owner it was made for. It is sturdy and in usable condition.
Chairs of this type, with tall, intricately carved backs, were
placed in rows against a wall forming part of the decoration
of a room. The carving of the back of this chair is French in
style and was based on decorative prints by Daniël Marot
GERMAN BAROQUE ARMCHAIR
Fine tall German late 17th century Baroque walnut throne
armchair with a rectangular arched padded back and seat
covered in 17th century Gobelin depicting ‘Susanna and the
Elders’ with fringed edge, flanked by down scrolled foliate-
carved armrests each terminating in an unusual dragon head

Height: 51.97 in (132 cm)Width: 28.35 in (72 cm)Depth: 37.01 in

(94 cm)Seat Height: 19.3 in (49 cm)
Style: Baroque (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Tapestry,Walnut
Place of Origin: Germany
Period: Late 17th Century
Date of Manufacture: circa 1690
17TH CENTURY DUTCH SILVER MINIATURE
CHAIR.
Made by Hendrik van der Star.
Amsterdam 1642.
Very early piece of Hendrick van der Star (working 1642-
1689).
Arnhem Museum has an identical chair, but not marked.
Dimensions
Height 2.5" (6.5cm)
Mexican Armchair

The shape of this chair is similar to high-backed

chairs popular in Spain. The piece would have been
made for an important member of society. The
imported leather is gilt and painted with a floral
design popular in marquetry and paintings
WHEEL CHAIR

In 1655,first self-propelled wheelchair was invented by a

German paraplegic watchmaker called Stephan Farfler.
Only 22 years old at the time, the chair was built using a
three-wheel chassis with hand cranks attached to the front
wheel.
THANK
Dhwani Kinger
Divya Daga

YOU
Diya Kanodia
Durva Boob
Eashan Kumar
Esha Karpe
Gargi Singh
Ghanaa Neve
Gurneet Saini
Harprita Hotchandani
Deepika Gounder