Set of Chiavari High Back Chairs by Gaetano Descalzi, 1930s

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Elegant early 20th century pair of Chiavari high back chairs, Italy, mahogany ebonized. Restored and re-upholstered

Abuot the " Chiavarina" … Read more Elegant early 20th century pair of Chiavari high back chairs, Italy, mahogany ebonized. Restored and re-upholstered

Abuot the " Chiavarina" by Gaetano Descalzi
Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi was born in Chiavari in the Republic of Genoa in 1767 from a cooper. He was nicknamed "il Campanino" because he came from a family of bell players.
Having become a student in the workshop of one of the best carpenters in Chiavari, in 1795 with his brother he opened a furniture production workshop. He received in 1796 a silver medal for two drawers from the Economic Society of Chiavari, founded five years earlier by the Marquis Stefano Rivarola.

He also introduced the use of Monte San Giacomo slate as a low-cost alternative to marble.
In 1807 the Marquis of Rivarola challenged him to produce a new chair inspired by a model brought from Paris, thus creating the Chiavari chair, or chiavarina, which became extremely popular. The sons Emanuele and Giacomo and their descendants continued the production, and several factories opened in Chiavari and its surroundings, developing the furniture industry still present in the area today.
This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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