A fine quality set of six mahogany 'Klismos' chairs.

England, circa 1805.

Why we like them

We love the unembellished purity of their Grecian form, the unusually graceful curves of their legs, the beautifully patinated original colour of these chairs. Worn early 20th century leather upholstery goes well with the patinated timber and gives these chairs a soft, relaxed look. A very chic addition to an eclectic or modern interior.

Design

These handsome chairs, conceived in the Grecian manner, allude to Arcadia with their tablet backs, enriched with festive swags and libation paterae. Their highly unusual, superbly graphic profile with boldly scrolled legs, is inspired by ancient Greek 'Klismos' chairs, often depicted on Attic pottery starting from circa 400BC. Their symbolic ornament derives from the French 'antique' style promoted by the connoisseur Thomas Hope (d. 1842) and popularised through the guide to his London mansion entitled, Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, London, 1807.