Antique Pair Syrian Parquetry Inlaid Armchairs 19th C

A superb pair of Syrian Damascus armchairs, Circa 1900.

The stunning pair of parquetry armchairs is exquisitely crafted in hardwood with wonderful inlaid decoration comprising ebony, walnut, various fruitwoods, and mother of pearl.

They feature further inlay with chequer banding and paquetry all round.

Provenance:

An English Collection of Works of Art

 

Add some interest to your home with these lovely tables.

Condition:

In excellent condition, having been cleaned, waxed and polished in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation of condition.

 

Dimensions in cm:

Height 52 cm x Width 57 cm x Depth 51 cm  - Chairs

Height 45 cm  - Seat height

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 8 inches x Width 1 foot, 10 inches x Depth 1 foot, 8 inches - Chairs

Height 1 foot, 6 inches - Seat height

Syria and its people are known for many things, but chief among those perhaps is their culture’s long history of art and craftsmanship, particularly with regard to wood furniture and cabinetry. Syrian carpenters, joiners, and cabinetmakers have a rich tradition of making ornate and intricately carved pieces of furniture, cabinets, decorative boxes and doors. These functional pieces of art are often inlaid with mother of pearl, carved and hand-painted designs and motifs, or sometimes a combination of other woods, known as mosaic wood.

Parquetry is a geometric mosaic of wood pieces used for decorative effect. The two main uses of parquetry are as veneer patterns on furniture and block patterns for flooring. Parquetry patterns are entirely geometrical and angular—squares, triangles, lozenges.

The word derives from the Old French parchet, literally meaning "a small enclosed space". Large diagonal squares known as parquet de Versailles were introduced in 1684 as parquet de menuiserie to replace the marble flooring that required constant washing, which tended to rot the joists beneath the floors.

Such parquet en lozange was noted by the Swedish architect Daniel Cronström at Versailles and at the Grand Trianon in 1693. Timber contrasting in color and grain, such as oak, walnut, cherry, lime, pine, maple, etc., is sometimes employed; and in the more expensive kinds, the tropical hardwoods are also used.

Our reference: A4804B