Pair of Early 20th-Century Venetian Grotto Chairs

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Odds are good that you haven't seen many of these, with their scallop shell backs and seats, dolphin-head arms, and … Read more Odds are good that you haven't seen many of these, with their scallop shell backs and seats, dolphin-head arms, and particularly those strange, roughened, coral-textured legs suggesting a prehistoric sea monster—all carved in wood. But stay with us here, there's a story.
Early in the 17th- and continuing into the 19th-centuries, Europe's aristocracy desired to have their very own "grottoes" built at their estates. Many of these "follies" were inspired by the shells and natural forms found at the shore. To linger in these often subterranean, but magical watery spaces, you had to have the furniture. And as they say in Italy, where these were crafted, ecco! Here they are.
Venice's furniture makers like Pauly et Cie created some of the leading examples in the late 19th century by which time, La Serenissima had numerous workshops specializing in shell seating like this pair. Now, don't you have a spacious wine cave built into your property's hillside or at least an unimpressive front hall much in need of whimsical, romantic character? Well, ecco! See less