SET OF SIX EBONY INLAID CARVED MAHOGANY
KLISMOS DINING CHAIRS
Philadelphia 1815-1825
The crest rail inlayed with flame mahogany veneer framed with ebony stringing above a carved stay rail above an upholstered slip seat continuing to saber legs.
Condition: Excellent: Seat frames with modern horsehair upholstery.
H: 33” W: 19” D: 21½” each
The relatedness of these chairs to the designs of England's greatest Regency cabinetmaker, George Bullock, as found in the Wilkinson Tracings (p.5) and to a set of chairs from Tew Park, attributed to Bullock, suggests that Bullock’s work was known to at least one Philadelphia cabinetmaker and possibly many.[1] This hypothesis is supported by the fact that Joseph Barry (1760-1838), among Philadelphia’s best cabinetmakers, is known to have traveled to London and Liverpool on a buying trip in 1811 where it is likely that he become aware of Bullock and may have bought from him.[2] This distinctive stay rail design is typical of Philadelphia Klismos chairs prior to 1825.
S-S-BBO-1812271
[1] Pictured in John Murray’s George Bullock, Cabinet Maker (H. Blairman & Sons, London, 1988) p.90
[2] see: Donald L. Fennimore and Robert T. Trump “Joseph B. Barry, Philadelphia Cabinetmaker” The Magazine ANTIQUES, May 1989, p. 1215).
Dealer | Carswell Rush Berlin, Inc. |
Date: | c.1820 |
Origin | Philadelphia |
Artist/Maker | |
Measurements | H: 33” W: 19” D: 21½” each |
Inventory | View Dealer's Inventory |
Website | http://www.american-antiques.net |
Price | |
Contact | Carswell R. Berlin, 646-645-0404 or CarswellBerlin@msn.com |