Late 19th Century Pair of Louis XVI-Style Wooden Chairs Gold Leaf Finish and Ikat Silk Velvet

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Please read the entire description carefully, as we strive to provide you with accurate technical and historical details to ensure … Read more Please read the entire description carefully, as we strive to provide you with accurate technical and historical details to ensure the authenticity of our items.
This fascinating and rare pair of Louis XVI-style chairs features exquisite craftsmanship: the solid frame of the upholstered seat is supported by four elegant, downward-tapering legs adorned with classic carved fluting. The oval backrest frame is enhanced by the "pastiglia" technique, which replicates a soft ribbon and refined beaded decoration. The hollow of the backrest is filled with soft padding, covered on the back with sturdy velvet, and on the front with an Ikat fabric that envelops the entire chair. Additionally, the chairs have undergone the "gold leaf gilding" technique. These chairs were crafted between 1870 and 1875 in an artisan workshop in Lyon, a significant center of furniture production since the 17th century, renowned for its Renaissance and Rococo-style pieces. Recently, the chairs were entrusted to an experienced master craftsman from Prato, who meticulously handcrafted the new upholstery using a particularly special fabric: a silk velvet Ikat in elegant and refined colors. Ikat is the national fabric of Uzbekistan, where it was produced even before the conquest of those territories by Charlemagne in 329 B.C. The country's trade economy has always flourished due to the rich merchant routes that passed through the legendary "Silk Road." Ikat (which means "cloud" in Uzbek) is a yarn-dyeing technique that creates extraordinary designs with soft, blurred edges. For the gold leaf gilding, "Armenian bole," a red clay powder mixed with glue, was applied to the wooden frame, which had previously been prepared with the "pastiglia" technique. Once dried, very thin sheets of gold leaf were applied. The "pastiglia" technique, rooted in an ancient craft tradition, originated in Italy at the end of the 15th century, remained in use for much of the 17th century, and continued into the 19th century. The " pastiglia" was composed of a paste made from gesso (calcium carbonate), vegetable resins, honey, linseed oil, and often marble dust. A layer of canvas was glued onto the wooden support, followed by several layers of "pastiglia", which were then imprinted, engraved, or finely modeled, usually in bas-relief. After hardening, gilding was applied. In addition to the reupholstery, the two chairs were hand-restored by our team of craftsmen and are in perfect condition. Measurements: width 49 cm, depth 40 cm, height 94 cm, seat height 47 cm.
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