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Antique Savonarola Folding Chair with Inlays British India

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A folding chair in the form of "Savonarola" with exquisite inlays from British India circa 19th century. The likely teak chair was made in three pieces, the folding X-frame, the seat and the back support, and it easily dissembles for transportation and traveling. What stunning about the chair is the exquisite inlay work that covers nearly the entire surface of the piece. Small mosaics of bone and ebony of contrasting color and various geometrical shapes were used to painstakingly create the pictorial designs. The back support features a pair of stylized peacock facing each other; the center of the seat showcases a roundel with eight petals of scrolling vine design, both with of classical Indian Mughal aesthetic. The arms were inlaid with bands of alternative tiles of bone and ebony, with a strong sense of geometrical symmetry. The two hand rests at the end morphed into Jaguar heads vividly carved and inlaid with round eyes.
The piece showed beautiful mellow patina that only comes with age; It was dated to 19th century, possibly before the commence of British Raj in 1858. Displaying a wide confluence of cultural influences, the exotic chair is a great Anglo-Indian example of global luxury piece commissioned by British company for the western market, but made by local skillful artisans using indigenous motifs in design and materials in construction. Two old paper label remains on the back and the bottom as shown.

More Information

Origin:	India
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	wood
Condition:	Good. Fine antique condition with deep patina, a couple of missing inlays, the chair features three pieces for assembly. It does creak a little when sitting on due to its nature; may not be suitable for heavy daily use, but more an antique display piece.
Creation Date:	19th c
Styles / Movements:	Anglo-Indian, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	423491

Dimensions

W.	24 in;	H.	38 in;	D.	18 in;
W.	60.96 cm;	H.	96.52 cm;	D.	45.72 cm;

Seat H.	19 in;
Seat H.	48.26 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.

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