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ID #SA1025194
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Late C19th/ Early C20th Middle Eastern , Probably Syrian , Walnut or Fruitwood, Nacre-shell Inlaid Armchair of X-frame Form .
Sold by M Lees and Sons
sold SA1025194
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
M Lees and Sons

M Lees and Sons

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2013
Browse dealers 370 items
  • About Us
    M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218
  • Trade Associations
    M Lees and Sons is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
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Id #SA1025194
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Late C19th/ Early C20th Middle Eastern , Probably Syrian , Walnut or Fruitwood, Nacre-shell Inlaid Armchair of X-frame Form .

1900 - 1920
Sold 15 October 2026 · M Lees and Sons
This “Late C19th/ Early C20th Middle Eastern , Probably Syrian , Walnut or Fruitwood, Nacre-shell Inlaid Armchair of X-frame Form” found a buyer.

It was listed by M Lees and Sons. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Description

Late C19th/ early C20th Middle Eastern, probably Syrian , walnut or fruitwood, nacre-shell inlaid armchair of X-frame form.

The folding frame with ‘mother-of-pearl’ or nacre shell geometric inlay . The shaped cresting rail back above a splat with central inlaid star design with a panel of turned Mashrabiya spindle-work in the shaped splat. .

In excellent original condition with no breaks or repairs, some historic losses to shell inlay.

*a similar armchair sold Christie’s London 17/01/2012 £1750.

H 40”

W 28”

D 24”

Syria c.1900

Date of Manufacture

M Lees and Sons has dated this Syrian Inlaid X Frame Armchair to the 1900s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
100cm (39.37")
Width
70cm (27.56")
Depth
60cm (23.62")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1025194
Dealers Internal Reference
ML 2311
Dealers Notes

Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .

Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .

Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .

All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .

If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:

www.leesantiquesworcester.com.

Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218

Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.

Description
Late C19th/ early C20th Middle Eastern, probably Syrian , walnut or fruitwood, nacre-shell inlaid armchair of X-frame form.

The folding frame with ‘mother-of-pearl’ or nacre shell geometric inlay .

“
The shaped cresting rail back above a splat with central inlaid star design with a panel of turned Mashrabiya spindle-work in the shaped splat.
M Lees and Sons

.

In excellent original condition with no breaks or repairs, some historic losses to shell inlay.

a similar armchair sold Christie’s London 17/01/2012 £1750.

H 40”

W 28”

D 24”

Syria c.1900

Date of Manufacture

M Lees and Sons has dated this Syrian Inlaid X Frame Armchair to the 1900s.

Height
100cm (39.37")
Width
70cm (27.56")
Depth
60cm (23.62")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1025194
Dealers Internal Ref
ML 2311
M Lees and Sons
M Lees and Sons
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2013

M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the M Lees and Sons Profile Page

Trade Associations

M Lees and Sons is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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SAVE
A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. SOLD15 OCT 26
1 / 13
Archive I A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. SOLD15 OCT 26

Late C19th/ Early C20th Middle Eastern , Probably Syrian , Walnut or Fruitwood, Nacre-shell Inlaid Armchair of X-frame Form .

Archive II A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. View II
Archive III A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. View III
Archive IV A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. View IV
Archive V A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. View V
Archive VI A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. View VI
Archive VII A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. View VII
Archive VIII A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. View VIII
Archive IX A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. View IX
Archive X A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. View X
Archive XI A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. View XI
Archive XII A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. View XII
Archive XIII A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View
M Lees and Sons

M Lees and Sons
Telephone 07860 826218 or 01905 26620
Location
Tower House
1 Castle Place
Severn St
Worcester
WR1 2NB
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/mleesandsons
Verified Since Feb 2013
Items For Sale 370
Items Sold 1,600
M Lees and Sons
M Lees and Sons
Verified Since Feb 2013
View Dealer Info
Location: Tower House, 1 Castle Place, Severn St, Worcester, WR1 2NB, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/mleesandsons
Verified
Feb 2013
For Sale
370
Sold
1,600
A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout.
Late C19th/ early C20th Middle Eastern , probably Syrian , walnut or fruitwood, nacre-shell inlaid armchair of X-frame form .
Ref: SA1025194
A Syrian dark walnut X-frame armchair featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy carvings and geometric mother-of-pearl shell inlay throughout.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectArmchairs
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleMiddle Eastern
  • MaterialWalnut, Mother-of-Pearl
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsX-frame base, Calligraphic carvings, Mother-of-pearl inlay, Curved arms
  • SizeH 100 cm (39 in) x W 70 cm (28 in) x D 60 cm (24 in)

This Middle Eastern armchair dates from around 1900 and exhibits a distinctive folding X-frame form with sweeping curved arms and scrolled feet. Constructed from dark brown walnut or fruitwood, the entire surface displays dense relief carving including Arabic calligraphic inscriptions and geometric motifs. Glimpsing the backrest reveals a shaped cresting rail and a central splat set with star-shaped nacre-shell inlay and turned Mashrabiya spindle-work. Numerous delicate mother-of-pearl shell inlays punctuate the upright slats, seat rails, and the scrolled ends of the armrests, accompanied by minor historic losses to the shell decoration. Practical proportions measure 100 cm high, 70 cm wide, and 60 cm deep. Positioning this decorative seat within a living space provides a striking focal point as a decorative armchair or standalone accent piece. The sturdy wooden construction offers a stable sitting platform while the intricate surface work invites close appreciation. Placed against a plain wall or within a study, the dark timber tones and reflective shell details harmonize with traditional and eclectic interior schemes alike. Daily use remains entirely practical for occasional seating or as a sculptural statement within a residential setting.

FAQs

X-frame chairs, influenced by ancient Roman curule seats and Renaissance Savonarola forms, became prominent in Middle Eastern furniture making, particularly in Damascus during the late nineteenth century. Crafted by artisan workshops, these seats catered to both local elite residences and foreign travellers seeking traditional craftsmanship.

These pieces are predominantly constructed from dense hardwoods such as walnut or fruitwood. The surface ornament features hand-cut mother-of-pearl (nacre) shell inlays, bone, or contrasting wood micro-marquetry, often set alongside deeply carved Arabic calligraphy and geometric patterns.

Authentic period examples feature hand-cut joinery, slight irregularities in the shell inlays, and signs of age-related timber shrinkage around mortise joints. The carving depth displays hand-tool marks rather than modern machine precision, and the timber exhibits a natural aged patina.

Position the piece as an architectural accent chair alongside contemporary minimalist upholstery to highlight its detailed silhouette. Pair with modern lighting or neutral linen textiles to create balance between intricate historic woodwork and clean modern lines.

Keep the item away from direct heat sources and fluctuating humidity to prevent timber movement and shell detachment. Clean gently using a soft, dry microfibre cloth, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners or excess moisture that could compromise the organic adhesives securing the inlay.
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