Dutch Art Deco Amsterdam School Dining Chairs, 1920s, Set of 4

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A striking set of four Dutch Amsterdam School chairs from the 1920s, executed in oak and enriched with macassar ebony … Read more A striking set of four Dutch Amsterdam School chairs from the 1920s, executed in oak and enriched with macassar ebony details. Strong in silhouette and surprisingly graceful, these chairs have that unmistakable Amsterdam School ability to turn furniture into something theatrical and highly expressive.

The tall backs rise in a pointed, chapel-like outline, characteristic for Amsterdam School Design. That verticality is softened by the rich upholstery, a deep aubergine to burgundy velvet tone that catches the light beautifully and adds warmth and drama to the oak frames. The combination of the warm timber, dark ebony accents and saturated fabric works especially well, giving the chairs a moody, almost stage-lit character.

The detailing is particularly charming. Small macassar ebony appliqués punctuate the backs and seat rails like dark, polished drops, while the carved feet give the chairs an extra note of sculptural refinement. Brass nailhead trim outlines the backs and seats, emphasizing their graphic shape and adding to the decorative rhythm. Seen together, the set has real atmosphere: elegant and full of personality.

As is so often the case with Amsterdam School furniture, the design balances solidity with fantasy. These are chairs with presence, but not heaviness. They would work beautifully around a dining table, but also as occasional chairs in a more eclectic interior, where their sculptural outlines and unusual details can really speak.

The chairs remain remarkably comfortable to sit in. They have the the original springs inside, and the more recent reupholstery has been done tradionally. The wood has been freshly cleaned and nourished. There are small signs of age consistent with time, including a couple of old repairs, all of which do little to diminish their appeal and instead underline their age and authenticity.

A wonderfully atmospheric and highly decorative set, full of shadow, line and material contrast, and very much in the spirit of the Amsterdam School. See less