Antique Louis XIII Style Brown Walnut Tiger and Elephant Tapestry Armchairs - A Pair

Details

Description

A majestic, stately pair of antique French Louis XIII style armchairs. Masterfully crafted from richly grained solid walnut, each chair … Read more A majestic, stately pair of antique French Louis XIII style armchairs. Masterfully crafted from richly grained solid walnut, each chair features a high, padded rectangular back and a deep, comfortable seat. The beautifully curved arms are ornamented with carved acanthus leaves that cascade gracefully into stylized scroll terminals.

The lower frames are exceptionally ornate, defined by deeply carved openwork aprons with intricate leaf and scroll motifs. The front legs terminate in robust, finely detailed hairy paw feet, all anchored securely by a turned H-stretcher system featuring a central block connector. Os-de-Mouton and Turned Stretchers: The defining signature of Louis XIII seating is the elaborate, H-shaped under-structure. These chairs feature "os-de-Mouton" (sheep bone) style curves on the front cross-stretcher, paired with ring-and-ball turned side stretchers and legs.

Scroll Armrests: The armrests terminate in a tight, downward-scrolling curl, which became the standard during the reign of King Louis XIII (1610–1643) as furniture transitioned away from the rigid, blocky forms of the Renaissance toward more comfortable, padded seating.

The frames are beautifully complemented by an exotic tapestry upholstery. The gold, terracotta red, and sage green textile showcases repeating columns of finely detailed caparisoned elephants and reclining tigers framed by classical architectural pedestals, cascading floral urns, and scrolling foliage over an ecru ground.

Sturdy and undeniably grand, this exceptional pair brings unmatched character and Old World luxury to any interior landscape. See less