Vintage Ebonised Klismos Chairs with Cherry Red Velvet Seats

• Ebonised - Timber that has been stained or lacquered black in imitation of ebony. The process has been used since the Renaissance, but is most commonly found in late 19th century furniture, sometimes gilded and turned in imitation of bamboo. Furniture with an ebonised finish is not currently in vogue, and this is reflected in the price for such pieces.
• Sabre Leg - The sabre leg is commonly associated with chairs made in the Regency or classical revival manner of the early 19th century. The form was copied from designs of the ancient Grecian chair known as a klismos found on painted classical vases. The characteristic of the sabre leg is a wide, sweeping backward curve which was frequently reeded, similar to a sabre. The sweep of the front legs was sometimes complemented by a corresponding curve in the back legs of the chair, though on most domestic furniture the sweep of the rear support was not as pronounced. Sabre legs are often encountered in reproductions of the regency style. They are uncommon in Australian furniture where, by and large, colonial craftsmen preferred to use turned legs.
• 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.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• chairs, singles / pairs / threes, style or period
  • ebonised 100
  • Klismos style 5