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Chairs

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.

Recommended Items at Auction

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Vintage Wooden High Chair *chair Back 37 Inches *seat Height 23 Inches
Dec 04, 6:00 PM EST
Vintage Wooden High Chair *chair Back 37 Inches *seat Height 23 Inches
by Aether Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$1310 Bids
PAIR OF VICTORIAN BLEACHED PINE READING CHAIRS 34 1/2 x 29 3/4 x 35 in. (87.6 x 75.6 x 88.9 cm.)
Dec 08, 12:00 PM EST
PAIR OF VICTORIAN BLEACHED PINE READING CHAIRS 34 1/2 x 29 3/4 x 35 in. (87.6 x 75.6 x 88.9 cm.)
by Potomack Company
Est: $300- $500
$2009 Bids
A PAIR OF RÉGENCE-STYLE BEECH AND UPHOLSTERED FAUTEUILS À LA REINE Early 20th century
Dec 11, 12:00 PM AEDT
A PAIR OF RÉGENCE-STYLE BEECH AND UPHOLSTERED FAUTEUILS À LA REINE Early 20th century
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD800- AUD1,200
AUD9509 Bids
A PAIR OF UPHOLSTERED ARMCHAIRS WITH MATCHING FOOT-STOOLS
Dec 11, 12:00 PM AEDT
A PAIR OF UPHOLSTERED ARMCHAIRS WITH MATCHING FOOT-STOOLS
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD200- AUD400
AUD5008 Bids
A SET OF EIGHTEEN EARLY VICTORIAN MAHOGANY DINING CHAIRS
Dec 11, 12:00 PM AEDT
A SET OF EIGHTEEN EARLY VICTORIAN MAHOGANY DINING CHAIRS
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD500- AUD800
AUD1,1007 Bids
A SET OF FOURTEEN HIGH-BACK DINING CHAIRS By Gaudion, Melbourne
Dec 11, 12:00 PM AEDT
A SET OF FOURTEEN HIGH-BACK DINING CHAIRS By Gaudion, Melbourne
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD600- AUD900
AUD1,0007 Bids
A PAIR OF CONTEMPORARY ARMCHAIRS WITH TWO MATCHING FOOTSTOOLS
Dec 11, 12:00 PM AEDT
A PAIR OF CONTEMPORARY ARMCHAIRS WITH TWO MATCHING FOOTSTOOLS
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD200- AUD400
AUD4007 Bids
Contemporary Upholstered Armchair
Dec 07, 10:00 AM PST
Contemporary Upholstered Armchair
by Abell Auction
Est: $200- $300
$3007 Bids
A Tessa, Australia Brown Leather Armchair & Matching Foot Stool
Dec 09, 2:00 PM AEDT
A Tessa, Australia Brown Leather Armchair & Matching Foot Stool
by Theodore Bruce
Est: AUD150- AUD250
AUD2007 Bids
18th/19th century New England Windsor armchairs
Dec 06, 11:00 AM EST
18th/19th century New England Windsor armchairs
by South Bay Auctions Inc
Est: $300- $500
$9507 Bids
Vintage Yellow Rocking Metal Chair, Folding Chair And Lounge Chair With Side Table
Dec 04, 6:00 PM EST
Vintage Yellow Rocking Metal Chair, Folding Chair And Lounge Chair With Side Table
by Aether Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$116 Bids
A PAIR OF UPHOLSTERED ARMCHAIR WITH MATCHING FOOTSTOOLS By Moran
Dec 11, 12:00 PM AEDT
A PAIR OF UPHOLSTERED ARMCHAIR WITH MATCHING FOOTSTOOLS By Moran
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD300- AUD500
AUD3506 Bids
A Hem by Luca Nichetto, Hai Lounge Chair - Eggshell (RRP$4,449)
Dec 13, 11:00 AM AEDT
A Hem by Luca Nichetto, Hai Lounge Chair - Eggshell (RRP$4,449)
by Theodore Bruce
Est: AUD0- AUD0
AUD606 Bids
Danish Style Armchair 30 X 36 X 38
Dec 05, 6:00 PM EST
Danish Style Armchair 30 X 36 X 38
by Aether Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$316 Bids
AN UPHOLSTERED ARMCHAIR AND MATCHING FOOT STOOL
Dec 11, 12:00 PM AEDT
AN UPHOLSTERED ARMCHAIR AND MATCHING FOOT STOOL
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD200- AUD300
AUD2005 Bids
AN UPHOLSTERED ARMCHAIR AND MATCHING FOOTSTOOL By Moran
Dec 11, 12:00 PM AEDT
AN UPHOLSTERED ARMCHAIR AND MATCHING FOOTSTOOL By Moran
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD100- AUD200
AUD3505 Bids
Three Poliform Randello Lounge Chairs
Dec 06, 10:00 AM PST
Three Poliform Randello Lounge Chairs
by Abell Auction
Est: $300- $500
$4504 Bids
A PAIR OF UPHOLSTERED ARMCHAIRS By Moran
Dec 11, 12:00 PM AEDT
A PAIR OF UPHOLSTERED ARMCHAIRS By Moran
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD200- AUD300
AUD2004 Bids
Pair Wilson & Fisher Zero Gravity Chairs W/ Canopy
Dec 09, 10:00 AM MST
Pair Wilson & Fisher Zero Gravity Chairs W/ Canopy
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$404 Bids
Pair of Donghia Swivel Armchairs
Dec 06, 10:00 AM PST
Pair of Donghia Swivel Armchairs
by Abell Auction
Est: $400- $600
$5004 Bids
A PAIR OF EARLY VICTORIAN MAHOGANY ELBOW CHAIRS
Dec 11, 12:00 PM AEDT
A PAIR OF EARLY VICTORIAN MAHOGANY ELBOW CHAIRS
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD100- AUD200
AUD2004 Bids
A PAIR OF WOVEN CANE ARMCHAIRS AND MATCHING LOW SIDE TABLE
Dec 11, 12:00 PM AEDT
A PAIR OF WOVEN CANE ARMCHAIRS AND MATCHING LOW SIDE TABLE
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD300- AUD400
AUD2504 Bids
Charles & Ray Eames - Herman Miller Chair/Ottoman
Dec 07, 1:00 PM CST
Charles & Ray Eames - Herman Miller Chair/Ottoman
by Neal Auction Company
Est: $1,800- $2,500
$7004 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Chairs


Uniques & Antiques

Uniques & Antiques

Wannenes Art Auctions

Wannenes Art Auctions

Capitolium Art

Capitolium Art

Sworders

Sworders