Antique French Provincial Carved Oak Bobbin Rush Corner Chair 19th C.

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Description

French Coin-de-Feu Bobbin-Turned Oak Corner Chair with Rush Seat, circa 1895

An engaging late-19th-century French corner chair, traditionally known as … Read more French Coin-de-Feu Bobbin-Turned Oak Corner Chair with Rush Seat, circa 1895

An engaging late-19th-century French corner chair, traditionally known as a coin-de-feu chair, handcrafted in France circa 1895. Made from solid oak and retaining its woven rush seat, this compact antique chair combines French Provincial character with an unusually sculptural arrangement of bobbin-turned woodwork.

The chair’s two-sided back wraps around the corner of the seat, creating the distinctive architectural silhouette associated with antique corner chairs. Rows of closely spaced bobbin-turned rails meet at the prominent central back post, while additional turned spindles form an open double-railed back. This rhythmic stick-and-ball construction gives the chair a strong decorative presence from every viewing angle.

Four turned legs support the square rush seat and are joined by low bobbin stretchers. The warm honey-brown rush contrasts attractively with the darker aged oak, highlighting both the handwoven seat pattern and the rich patina of the wood. Small variations in the turning, weaving and surface are characteristic of hand craftsmanship and contribute to the chair’s individuality.

The original rush seat is woven in four triangular sections that meet at the center, producing a handsome geometric pattern. It remains strong and usable, with the natural tonal variation expected from rush that has aged for more than a century. This is a woven rush seat.
With its compact proportions and low 14.5-inch seat height, this French Provincial corner chair is especially suitable as an occasional accent chair. It could be positioned beside a fireplace, in a library, bedroom, dressing room, guest room or entrance hall. Its unusual two-sided back also allows it to sit comfortably in a corner without appearing visually lost. Designers may also appreciate it as a sculptural antique beside a low table, beneath a staircase or as part of a collected European country interior.

The chair measures approximately 25.5 inches high, 17 inches wide and 17 inches deep, with a seat height of 14.5 inches. Its modest scale makes it easy to incorporate into interiors where a conventional armchair would be too large.

The oak frame displays an attractive aged surface with wear, color variation, rubbing and historic marks consistent with its late-19th-century origin. Numerous small old insect holes are visible in the wood and contribute to its authentic antique character. One lower bobbin-turned stretcher is missing, as documented in the photographs. Despite this loss, the chair is presently sturdy, and the original rush seat remains in strong condition. The historic insect holes and missing stretcher should be clearly disclosed so buyers understand the chair’s condition before purchase.

This one-of-a-kind French oak corner chair offers an appealing combination of authentic age, compact scale, original woven rush and decorative bobbin turning. It would complement French Provincial, European country, rustic modern, Mediterranean, Arts and Crafts or eclectic interiors while providing useful occasional seating and a distinctive sculptural accent.

Listing attributes: France; circa 1895; late 19th century; French Provincial style; solid oak; woven rush; hand-turned and handcrafted; corner chair or coin-de-feu chair. Category: Corner Chairs. Condition: good antique condition with age-related wear, historic insect holes and one missing lower stretcher. See less