English 19th Century Walnut Folk Low Chair with Three-Legged Base

An unusual English walnut low chair dating to the 19th century, displaying the bold construction and sculptural character associated with vernacular or folk furniture. Standing only 25 inches high with a seat height of 10 inches, the chair has an appealingly compact, almost architectural presence.

The thick plank seat is formed with dramatically upturned ends, each terminating in a large pierced loop handle. A tall, narrow plank back rises directly from the seat and is similarly crowned with a carved and pierced loop, creating a distinctive repetition of rounded forms throughout the design.

The chair is supported by three splayed legs, a construction frequently encountered in early vernacular seating and particularly practical on uneven floors. The simplicity of the broad planks is balanced by the expressive shaping of the pierced ends and the rich figuring of the walnut. Visible pegged construction, knots, irregularities and variations in the timber contribute to its rustic character.

With its unusually low proportions and strongly sculptural silhouette, this 19th century English chair would work particularly well today as an accent piece beside a fireplace, in an entryway or incorporated into a collection of folk and vernacular furniture.

Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)

Width: 19.5 in (49.53 cm)

Depth: 14.75 in (37.47 cm)

Seat Height: 10 in (25.4 cm)