Pair of Os de Mouton Walnut Long Caned Benches

Pair of Os de Mouton Walnut Long Caned Benches

This elegant pair of Os de Mouton walnut long caned benches is a superb example of early French seating design, showcasing refined craftsmanship from the late 17th to early 18th century period. The benches exhibit the iconic Os de Mouton (‘sheep’s bone’) silhouette, beloved for its sculptural S-shaped legs and timeless presence.

Origin: France
Date: Circa 1690–1720
Material: Solid walnut with caned seats

Dimensions: Height: 40 cm (15.7 ins), Width: 115 cm (45.3 ins), Depth: 53.5 cm (21 ins)

Condition: Retains excellent patina; minor restorations in keeping with age

The Os de Mouton style draws direct comparison to seats favoured in the court of Louis XIV and is instantly recognisable for its flowing leg design and decorative stretchers. Pieces such as these can be seen in important museum collections, standing alongside works by renowned makers like André-Charles Boulle and Nicolas Heurtaut. Their elegant profiles and practical long caned benches format reflect both the grandeur and the comfort sought in high-status French interiors of the Baroque era.

Notable Features:

• Expert craftsmanship in the solid walnut frame, with gracefully carved S-shaped legs characteristic of the Os de Mouton design
• Finely woven caned seats, allowing for both durability and lightness, ideal for varied decorative schemes
• Shaped and moulded stretchers, providing additional structural strength and a stylish flourish
• Classic Baroque references in the overall form, with a subtle transition toward the symmetry seen in early Régence furniture

These caned benches are increasingly rare on today’s market, particularly as a matching pair displaying such crisp profiles and the desirable long format. Their distinguished provenance and sought-after Os de Mouton aesthetic ensure strong collecting value. Equally well-suited as statement pieces for an entrance hall or as practical occasional seating within a period or contemporary interior, these benches blend artistry, versatility, and French flair—a handsome addition to any fine collection.