Pair of Catalan Modernist Wooden Chairs, circa 1920

Mid-Century Modern wood and rattan French Rationalist chairs, by unknown designer. Manufactured in France, circa 1950. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age a...

Early 20th century set of two traditional rattan seat and wood chairs. In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. ...

Set of two popular rustic armchair by unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa early 20th century. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a b...

Pair of Rationalist Rattan and Wood Folding Chairs – France, Circa 1960 Embrace timeless design with this elegant pair of rationalist folding chairs, manufactured in France circa 19...

A pair of high-back chairs in moulded and carved oak with rush seats, executed in France circa 1940–1950 in the manner of Charles Dudouyt. The architectural silhouette, with its tall...

Pair of rustic solid oak chairs exude a robust charm with their sturdy, handmade quality and stark geometric silhouette. The elemental design highlights the durable oak construction,...

Dating back to circa 1900, this striking pair of Spanish armchairs tells a story of enduring Iberian craftsmanship and honest, timeless design. Handcrafted entirely from solid oak, t...

Mid-century designers were eager to break free from the aesthetics of the past and experiment with new forms, and techniques. At the same time, especially in Europe, the modernist design movement was often based on traditional styles and techniques, such as turned chairs. Turned chairs — sometimes called thrown chairs or spindle chairs — represent a style of Elizabethan or Jacobean turned furniture that had a vogue in the late 16th and early 17th century. The technique was carried on to the 20th century and was widespread in Europe as well, where craftsmen created durable pieces for various interiors and purposes. In turned furniture, the individual wooden spindles of the piece were made by shaping them with chisels and gouges while they were being spun, or turned between the centre points of a lathe. The construction of this pair is evocative of the more robust Arts and Crafts Movement, featuring subtle decorative elements such as the finials atop the backs. The sphere-shaped finials aren’t the only ornamentations on the design; the shape of the two splats on the back, the carved stretchers and carving on the feet are all decorative features that make this pair visually arresting. In later turned chairs, like this pair, rush seats were common. Here, the seats are woven around the frames with a light colour that beautifully contrasts to the dark, patinated wood. The partnership of the two natural materials is very effective as well; the wood and rush pair...