Antique S. Karpen & Bros. Chicago Art Nouveau Carved Two-Person Settee, C. 1905–1915

Details

Description

Exceptional early 20th-century S. Karpen & Bros. upholstered two-person settee, manufactured in Chicago with the firm’s Chicago–New York maker’s plaque. … Read more Exceptional early 20th-century S. Karpen & Bros. upholstered two-person settee, manufactured in Chicago with the firm’s Chicago–New York maker’s plaque. Circa 1905–1915.

This distinctive antique settee features an elegant carved wood frame with sweeping, sculptural arms, an open vertical-slat back, and an elaborate carved central botanical ornament. The gracefully curved arms and compact 47-inch width create a comfortable two-person seating arrangement.

The piece retains its original S. Karpen & Bros. manufacturer’s plaque reading “Karpen Guaranteed Upholstered Furniture — Chicago–New York,” as well as an old factory upholstery/spring-service paper label preserved beneath the seat. The underside also retains its period upholstery construction and original hardware, including an antique caster at the rear.

The warm dark wood finish has developed a beautiful aged patina with natural surface wear consistent with its age. The upholstered seat is finished with an attractive vintage/period-style pineapple-pattern textile and decorative nailhead trim.

Karpen & Bros. was one of America’s important upholstered-furniture manufacturers, founded in Chicago in 1880. The company produced high-quality upholstered furniture in numerous historical and Art Nouveau-influenced styles during the early 20th century.

A particularly unusual and decorative Karpen example, with excellent provenance through its surviving manufacturer’s plaque and underside factory marking.

Dimensions

* Width: 47”
* Depth: 26½”
* Overall height: 33”
* Seat height: 18”

Seating: Two
Maker: S. Karpen & Bros.
Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Period: Early 20th century, approximately 1905–1915
Style: American Art Nouveau / Eclectic
Item: Antique upholstered settee / loveseat
The rear legs original casters were replaced by someone with a plastic replacement. Somewhere in its path since the early 1900’s they must have been lost. Although the front legs still have the original in tact. See pictures included. See less