One day last year my sister and I went into an antique store in Lafayette, Ca. We were just looking around. Sis was looking for a drop leaf table for her art room. I was just looking. Then Sis spotted this chair....
I don't know if there can be "love at first sight" with a piece of furniture, but my sister set her sights on something across the room. I saw her move toward a corner filled with armoires, buffets and tables. There was a different look in her eyes. I had seen this look before. It was "furniture lust".There is nothing rational about it..., nothing reasonable or explainable..., it's just plain old fashion desire for something that's drop dead gorgeous. When we were young and foolish it was a good looking guy, but now it's FURNITURE. Sad but true.
She was not leaving the store without this chair. It spoke to her. .., probably in French. It was saying "Buy me, you will never regret it. I will always make you happy." So she did and at a very good price. This is the most outrageously, over the top, elegant, well made, tapestry covered, carved chair I have ever seen. Look at it!
The fabric is in very good shape and the wood is beautiful. The seat has collapsed and needs to be braced, reconstructed underneath and re-filled with something. Other than the seat it's in excellent condition. I can't find anything like it on the Internet. It's one of a kind and it sits in a new corner; in my sister's bedroom in the condo in Pacifica. It's a love affair of the heart and it was meant to be.
Come..., sit...., have some tea and a brioche. It will make you feel like European royalty.
Go to Roomie's With a Past for other Past Due Tuesday posts that will delight your love of vintage and antique things.
Oh how I could sit in that chair, and feel like a queen or at least one of her ladies in waiting who sneaks a break. Actually, he is the king to the queen poem I wrote once, 'Room For A View'...
ReplyDeleteOH. MY. GOODNESS. We are swooning over here! The wood, the fabric, and how it's all put together. Can't blame your sister. Yes, one needs a good man, but a GREAT chair is hard to find!!!
ReplyDeleteNow that's some chair! It reminded me of some over the top chairs I saw at furniture market in Oct. Hope she can get it re-done and and cleaned up @ a reasonable price. BTW, did it say anything to you?
ReplyDelete:-) Sue
Oh wow!!! what a beautiful chair. I can understand why your sister fell in love with it. Have a great evening. Madeline
ReplyDeleteI want to sit in that chair when I come to drink hot chocolate from your Grannies china pot, ok? (Then when you're not looking I will put it (the chair)in my purse and quickly take my leave. You're laughing, but have you SEEN the size of my purse?!?!?)
ReplyDeleteI have never seen anything like that chair...wow. Did it speak to you too? It's beautiful and if I could find it's sister, she would like to come live with me..;p
ReplyDeleteThat chair must belong to a fiery independent, creative and fun lady. A picture(or ten)can say volumes without even a word and this chair has some stories to tell. It's unlike anything I've ever seen and thank you for sharing it!!
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a chair with so much dignity and character! The carvings are incredible. (love the violin) I do hope that someday soon you find out where it's from, who made it, etc.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love this chair!
ReplyDeleteIf you've ever thought to sell it, let me know........athanaxu@yahoo.com
Hello! Did you ever figure out the maker on this piece? I am considering doing one that is similar, and in my research, this is the ONLY one I've found with that violin carving at the top. PLEASE let me know! Kelli
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