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Chairs - General

The chairs of today developed from primitive benches and stools. Very popular at auction, they range from antique chair styles to modern chairs that wrap the sitter in an organic embrace.

Antique chairs that remain sought- after by collectors and interior designers are the Queen Anne, Georgian, and American Regency styles. One of the earliest chair designs was the Savonarola, or “scissors” chair, which became important to collectors from the 18th century onward. An Italian walnut Savonarola chair dating from the 15th or 16th century in the Cloisters Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a simple yet lavish example. Another collector’s item is the prie dieu, or “prayer chair,” which has been used for centuries in churches and for personal devotion. The prayer chair features a seat for kneeling and a shelf for devotional texts and items. Catalan architect and sculptor Antoni Gaudi created an extreme decorative example of the chair. Carved from thuya wood, the chair stands at 9 feet and is crowned by a stained glass light fixture.

Antique dining chairs may be simple American vernacular pieces or influenced by the excesses of French Rococo and Baroque design. A modern dining room chair may be a replica of more traditional styles or as sleek and unorthodox as the valuable George Nakashima Conoid chairs. Antique barrel chairs can be used either as side chairs or dining chairs. The history of this shape is uncertain, but the barrel chairs designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright for the Darwin Martin and Herbert Johnson residences are the most famous. The George Nelson Pretzel Chair made of curved laminated wood became a rare collector’s piece when it was removed from the market for insufficient manufacturing techniques. The Pretzel Chair is a fine example of mid-century modern design.


Quick Facts

  • A late 17th century Italian Baroque carved walnut prayer chair sold for $875 in a 2014 Bonham’s auction
  • A set of six George Nelson Pretzel Chairs by Herman Miller brought $8,125 at a Wright auction in 2013
  • A set of six Conoid dining chairs designed by George Nakashima sold for $27,500 at an auction by Phillips in 2014

Recommended Items at Auction

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Westnofa Siesta chair and stool in tan leather (100 x 69 x 85cm)
Feb 20, 10:00 AM AEDT
Westnofa Siesta chair and stool in tan leather (100 x 69 x 85cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD400- AUD500
AUD28013 Bids
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Cute Upholstered Chair with Wooden Legs
Feb 25, 6:00 PM EST
Cute Upholstered Chair with Wooden Legs
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$2612 Bids
(2) SCROLLED IRON GARDEN CHAIRS
Feb 21, 11:00 AM EST
(2) SCROLLED IRON GARDEN CHAIRS
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $300- $500
$22510 Bids
Black vinyl butterfly chair (90 x 74 x 80cm)
Feb 20, 10:00 AM AEDT
Black vinyl butterfly chair (90 x 74 x 80cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD30- AUD50
AUD909 Bids
Eero Aarnio style bubble chair, with newly upholstered cushions ( 107 x 104cm)
Feb 20, 10:00 AM AEDT
Eero Aarnio style bubble chair, with newly upholstered cushions ( 107 x 104cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD350- AUD450
AUD608 Bids
A Set of Six Contemporary Slipper Chairs
Feb 20, 10:00 AM PST
A Set of Six Contemporary Slipper Chairs
by Abell Auction
Est: $400- $600
$5006 Bids
Set of six wrought iron collapsible café chairs (94 x 41 x 56cm)
Feb 20, 3:00 PM AEDT
Set of six wrought iron collapsible café chairs (94 x 41 x 56cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD100- AUD200
AUD805 Bids
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Hanging Egg Chair 75 in. (190.5 cm.)
Feb 25, 6:00 PM EST
Hanging Egg Chair 75 in. (190.5 cm.)
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$414 Bids
Set of 6 wrought metal and cane chairs (89 x 45 x 47cm)
Feb 20, 3:00 PM AEDT
Set of 6 wrought metal and cane chairs (89 x 45 x 47cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD100- AUD200
AUD452 Bids
2 Schinkel Style Cast Iron Chairs with Angel and Ram Designs
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
2 Schinkel Style Cast Iron Chairs with Angel and Ram Designs
by Schultz Auctioneers
Est: $500- $1,000
$2501 Bid
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White Leather Adjustable Rolling Task Chair
Feb 25, 6:00 PM EST
White Leather Adjustable Rolling Task Chair
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
An Oak & Rattan Fireside Chair
Feb 23, 2:00 PM AEDT
An Oak & Rattan Fireside Chair
by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Est: AUD50- AUD100
AUD251 Bid
A Pair of Carved Mahogany Ball & Claw Chairs with Tapestry Upholstery, 97cm x 62cm x 65cm each
Feb 22, 9:00 AM SAST
A Pair of Carved Mahogany Ball & Claw Chairs with Tapestry Upholstery, 97cm x 62cm x 65cm each
by 5th Avenue Auctioneers
Est: R2,000- R3,000
R8001 Bid
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Upholstered Tufted Back Rolling Task Chair 33 x 25 x 20 in. (83.8 x 63.5 x 50.8 cm.)
Feb 25, 6:00 PM EST
Upholstered Tufted Back Rolling Task Chair 33 x 25 x 20 in. (83.8 x 63.5 x 50.8 cm.)
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
J. Robert Scott Slipper Chair
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
J. Robert Scott Slipper Chair
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $200- $400
$501 Bid
Vintage cane child's chair (53 x 45 x 48cm)
Feb 20, 3:00 PM AEDT
Vintage cane child's chair (53 x 45 x 48cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD20- AUD30
AUD151 Bid
A PAIR OF CONTEMPORARY UPHOLSTERED TUB CHAIRS (70CM H X 67CM W X 66CM D)
Feb 20, 10:00 AM AEDT
A PAIR OF CONTEMPORARY UPHOLSTERED TUB CHAIRS (70CM H X 67CM W X 66CM D)
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD400- AUD600
AUD3601 Bid
Antique timber chair (77 x 40 x 44cm)
Feb 20, 10:00 AM AEDT
Antique timber chair (77 x 40 x 44cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD40- AUD60
AUD151 Bid
A MAHOGANY METAMORPHIC LIBRARY CHAIR (88CM H X 46CM W X 66CM D)
Feb 20, 10:00 AM AEDT
A MAHOGANY METAMORPHIC LIBRARY CHAIR (88CM H X 46CM W X 66CM D)
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD200- AUD300
AUD1401 Bid
Religious objects: A pair of richly sculpted priest seats.
Feb 19, 1:00 PM CET
Religious objects: A pair of richly sculpted priest seats.
by CR Art Auctions
Est: €300- €400
€1401 Bid
A set of four Contemporary rattan and wrought iron chairs
Feb 22, 9:30 AM PST
A set of four Contemporary rattan and wrought iron chairs
by Clars Auctions
Est: $150- $250
$750 Bids
An Adjustable Shower Chair & Raised Toilet Set Attachment
Feb 23, 2:00 PM AEDT
An Adjustable Shower Chair & Raised Toilet Set Attachment
by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Est: AUD40- AUD80
AUD200 Bids
A Timber High Chair
Feb 23, 2:00 PM AEDT
A Timber High Chair
by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Est: AUD50- AUD100
AUD250 Bids
Paul Frankl Style Swivel Chair
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
Paul Frankl Style Swivel Chair
by Regency Auction House
Est: $60- $100
$300 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Chairs - General


Lawsons

Lawsons

Kamelot Auctions

Kamelot Auctions

Leonard Joel

Leonard Joel

Auctions at Showplace

Auctions at Showplace