Greek Revival Klismos Chair with Painted Decoration

A Chippendale Junior-style 'Klismos' chair, of simulated…
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A Chippendale Junior-style 'Klismos' chair, of simulated rosewood with painted Greek Revival decoration and upholstered seat height: 84 cm. provenance: Acquired from Martyn Cook Antiques, Sydney, in 1997

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  • Klismos Chair - The Klismos chair was originally developed by the ancient Greeks in the 5th century BC. The design with a rectangular curved back and concave tapeing legs was revived during the Regency period. Versions were made for the Earl of Harewood for the refurbished Entrance Hall at Harewood House, c. 1805.
  • Provenance - A term used to describe the provable history of an antique or work of art, and thus an additional aid to verifying its authenticity. Provenance can have an inflating effect on the price of an item, particularly if the provenance relates to the early settlement of Australia, a famous person, or royalty. Less significant are previous sales of the item through an auction house or dealer.
  • Rosewood - A dense timber that varies in shade to very light brown to almost black. When rosewood is cut and sanded the colour of the timber will turn black, and after polishing and exposure to daylight, the surface will gradually lighten over time to light brown with black streaks.

    The name comes from the odour emanating from the timber when it is planed, sanded or cut.

    Rosewood was very popular for use in Victorian furniture in the second half of the 19th century, and at that time most of the rosewood was imported from Brazil. However it also grows in India and Indonesia.

    It is used in the sold for chairs and table legs, but for carcase furniture such as side cabinets and bookcases, and for table tops it is always used as a veneer.

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