Antique Black Japanned & Gilt Chinoiserie Queen Anne Revival Wingback Chair, Circa 1900

Details

Description

A large circa 1900 English Queen Anne Revival wingback chair featuring a black japanned wood frame decorated with gilt chinoiserie … Read more A large circa 1900 English Queen Anne Revival wingback chair featuring a black japanned wood frame decorated with gilt chinoiserie landscapes, figures, pagodas, florals, dragons and ornamental motifs. The substantial frame combines a tall winged back, rolled upholstered arms, shaped front apron and dramatic cabriole-form front legs with hand-painted Asian-inspired decoration.

The exposed black frame is what distinguishes this chair. Gilt chinoiserie scenes continue around the chair rather than being confined to the front: figures and flowering plants decorate the shaped apron, architectural and landscape scenes appear along the sides and scrolling arm supports, while a pair of opposing dragons decorates the rear rail. Additional gilt detailing extends onto the bulbous front legs.

The chair is currently upholstered in an ivory ground fabric and shows age and use and, while still presenting reasonably well, we consider the chair an excellent candidate for new upholstery. Its generous proportions and predominantly neutral black-and-gold frame would lend itself particularly well to a designer-selected solid, subtle pattern or more adventurous textile.

An unusual decorative interpretation of the Queen Anne wing chair, combining the comfortable scale of an upholstered fireside chair with the visual interest of late-19th/early-20th-century chinoiserie revival furniture.

JUNE'S THOUGHTS
I would buy this chair for the frame. The black japanned finish and gilt chinoiserie decoration are far more interesting than the present upholstery allows you to notice at first glance. Reupholstered in the right fabric, this could become an entirely different chair. I can see it in a sophisticated solid velvet or linen that lets the painted frame finally take center stage. See less