Pair of Antique Italian Ladder-Back Milking Chairs — 19th Century

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A lovely matched pair of antique French Provincial ladder-back nursing chairs, 19th century, in warm fruitwood (likely cherry or beech) … Read more A lovely matched pair of antique French Provincial ladder-back nursing chairs, 19th century, in warm fruitwood (likely cherry or beech) with original rush seats.

Each chair features a gracefully curved three-slat ladder back with a shaped top rail, saber-style rear legs, and a rush-woven seat in excellent condition. The front legs are gently turned; the front apron has a subtle carved shape. Classic French countryside craftsmanship — the kind of chair that has been in farmhouses and manor kitchens across Provence for two hundred years.

"Nursing chairs" are a specific French and Victorian chair type with a lower-than-standard seat, originally designed for use beside a cradle or in a bedroom. They work beautifully today as accent chairs, at a dressing table, or in a reading corner.

Acquired in Switzerland in the 1940s this piece has been in my family for nearly a century.

Sold as a pair — please do not request to split.

• Style: French Provincial / Country • Period: 19th century • Wood: Fruitwood (cherry or beech) • Seat: Original rush weave • Dimensions (each): H 40.75" × W 21.5" × D 18" See less