Pair of Black Japanned Side Chairs

Pair of Black Japanned Side Chairs

A distinguished pair of black japanned side chairs featuring elegant eighteenth-century British design. These kitchen and dining room chairs epitomise the refined style and craftsmanship of their period, offering a blend of decorative charm and practical seating.

Origin: United Kingdom
Date: circa 1780
Material: Painted and japanned hardwood

Dimensions: Height 98 cm, Width 48 cm, Depth 45 cm

Condition: Fine antique condition; minor surface wear commensurate with age, excellent patina.

These side chairs showcase the influence of chinoiserie that swept through British decorative arts during the late eighteenth century. The japanned finish, with its glossy black base and intricate gilt motifs, recalls both the finest examples seen at the Victoria and Albert Museum and the taste for the exotic fostered by renowned makers of the period. Their form echoes well-known country house designs, representing a quintessential addition to a curated collection of period seating.

Notable Features:

• Masterful japanned surfaces, exhibiting detailed hand-painted decoration
• Curved crest rails complemented by pierced splats, echoing fashionable Rococo lines while maintaining the formality of their English roots
• Elegant front and back legs, carved for stability and grace, demonstrating skilled eighteenth-century woodworking
• Rare survival as a matched pair, adding significance for collectors and connoisseurs alike

The design of these black japanned side chairs reflects the era’s fascination with Eastern aesthetics, while their overall symmetry and proportion remain deeply rooted in British eighteenth-century taste. The chairs’ slender lines and subtle ornamentation highlight the interplay between style and function valued during their time.

A fine pair such as this offers both decorative and functional appeal within any setting. Ideally suited for use in a sophisticated kitchen, dining room, or as accent pieces, they elevate the interior with their historic provenance and timeless form. Highly desirable for those seeking period kitchen and dining room chairs that combine rarity, style, and authenticity within a British context.