Rare 18th Century Louis XV Tapestry Upholst'd Arm Chair

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Please note, we have a very large collection of additional images of this piece available for your enjoyment below. Description: This listing is for an 18th Century Louis XV Period Tapestry Upholstered Fruitwood Arm Chair. It features a molded crest culminating in a crisp floral carving flanked by ribbon on either side. The exposed molded frame wraps around incredible original upholstery featuring a Palatial Banquet Scene where the King and Queen rest around the table with company. A servant brings fruits to a full table, with other looking on. Fine architecture is visible in the scene. The back of the chair frame is exposed, and appears to have never had an upholstered cover, constructed with a pegged tenon design. Two curved molded upholstered arms flank either side, with incredible form curving outward. They rest over curved twisting supports, which tenon up into the arm before being secured with tiny wooden pegs. Significant hand carving is evident throughout; it is simply fascinating when looking at the arms to see the tiny carves and slices of the knife yet unfinished in low visibility areas. The arm supports lock into the frame of the chair, leaving small blackened holes where upholstery at one point would have been attached. A deep patina and heavy oxidization resides in every aspect of the arms and frame, with years of built up wax giving a glow to the finish. The broad seat is also what appears to be original tapestry, an interesting active scene of a large garden with feathered birds focal to the center. A red border frames the scene, with the upholstery stuffing over the frame. Each knee is carved with simple foliate designs, the apron being molded and centrally carved with a floral design mirroring the crest. Tiny wooden pegs bring the knees into the rest of the frame, which is molded and exposed around the entire chair seat. The legs are lightly cabriole, wonderfully carved and terminate in scroll toes - the left foot has slight loss, mentioned in the condition report below. This is a stunning work of Period Louis XV 18th Century Furniture, a masterpiece of design and a must have for any serious collector. This is the beginning of a line of furniture design that was so ingeniously crafted, resonating collectively with such strength that it lasts even today. It is a chance for you to own a piece of this history with a level of originality in all aspects of it that is simply unprecedented. In outstanding structural condition, firm and strong in all joints, this is a treasure that will live on with you and your family for centuries to come. Measurements: 26" wide at arms, 25 1/4" deep approximately, 38" high to crest, 16 1/2"-17" high to seat Condition: Visually Outstanding Condition - Early, possibly original finish. Repairs throughout, with old breaks here and there, now a part of the patina having thoroughly oxidized. Inactive pest damage throughout. Upholstery appears to be original with significant damage, later filled stitching, holes pulled together with thread, etc. Many repairs to upholstery. Underside of chair with new black fabric. Left front leg with loss to toe resulting in a slight uneven height between each leg of roughly 1/2" - this is not noticable or detracting in our opinion. The chair is structurally very firm and strong. Dings, abrasions and chips here and there, none noteworthy. Fantastic patina throughout. Please review photos below for more information regarding condition. Shipping :Local pickup is free, and you are always welcome to select your own shipping service. By identifying a blanket wrap shipper with a route between our location and yours, often you can save a good percentage on shipping though the time required for delivery might be significantly longer. We are happy to coordinate shipping for you - if you do select us to coordinate your shipping, we never charge more than cost (and actually will often end up absorbing a portion of the actual shipping costs on our end depending on where you are in the US... read more

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