A Pair of Early/Mid 19thC Italian Giltwood X-Framed Stools c.1820-40

Origin: Italian
Period: Early/Mid 19thC
Provenance: The estate of the late Antonia Cole, formerly of Wyld Court, Hawkchurch
Date: c.1820-40
Width: 23”
Depth: 16”
Height: 14” (each)

The well-carved cross or x-framed stools with turned stretchers and naturally distressed black painted carcasses having gilded highlights, to stuff over seats in tassled ivory damask the wholes sitting on scrolled feet and surviving from the second quarter of nineteenth century Italy.

The stools are presented in good sturdy condition with wonderful originality. The paintwork has not been meddled with and as such is very decorative with the gilding also timeworn. The upholstery is very old and has staining as photographed.

X-framed chairs and stools were originally coffer maker’s chairs in the 15th century when the frames were covered with leather or fabric but there were variations on the X-framework. Stools supported by an X-shaped underframe were known and used in Egypt as early as 1350 B.C. 

A large proportion of stools made in this period that were cross or x-framed were in rosewood so it is nice to see one with the original painted decoration which is much more scarce. There are a few twentieth century reproductions of this type around, but it is hard to find period examples with the original decoration, especially as a pair.

Wonderfully decorative, rare and with a lovely provenance.