CHIAVARI OPÉRA CHAIR

Antique chair, made in England between 1750 and 1850.

This chair is a typical example from the late 18th to early 19th century. It features a drawer under the seat, providing storage for various items. Due to its solidity, it's incredibly eye-catching, making it an excellent piece for highlighting and enriching a space. The chair itself boasts other wonderful details that only such an old piece can have. These include wooden pegs, which often replaced expensive iron nails in those times since they were hand-forged. Another detail is the beautifully patinated wood, which, upon touch, tells the story of its rich history. Most captivating is its shape, as the chair is not precisely formed and exhibits many asymmetrical details, lending it a playful naivety and confirming that it was entirely handmade, without the aid of mechanized tools. The story behind the chair with a drawer is also fascinating, as there are several versions. One story suggests that such chairs were made on farms in England for those assisting in lambing. The person would sit on this chair, waiting for the lambing, with a drawer under the seat containing a Bible and whisky to sustain them. These chairs were typically made by carpenters not accustomed to furniture-making, which explains the asymmetrical shape. Another tale suggests that such chairs were found in wealthier households, known as "salt thrones" as they stored salt, a prestigious spice at the time, in the drawer. Sitting on such a chair during a meal signified a special honor, as being seated above the salt was a mark of distinction. Thus, this chair is a true throne of history, capable of telling many stories of the past and inspiring us with its grandeur. Dimensions: 97 x 57 x 50 cm Weight: 18 kg The chair is excellently preserved.