Antique rustic high-backed refectory chair – engraved solid wood – Italy, 17th–18th century
A charming rustic Italian high-backed chair, its construction and stylistic features suggest the tradition of so-called refectory chairs, popular in central and northern Italy between the 17th and 18th centuries.
This piece is made of solid wood and features a simple yet sturdy handcrafted construction, characterized by evident irregularities in the workmanship and a deep, layered patina that has matured over time.
The high backrest is particularly distinctive, consisting of two long vertical uprights and three shaped crosspieces, each crafted with a mixtilinear profile featuring arches and geometric motifs. The upper portions of the uprights also feature a simple yet striking vertically engraved decoration.
The numerous engravings on the frame are of particular historical interest. The letters "E" and "B" are clearly visible on one of the front uprights, accompanied by additional signs, numbers, characters, and overlapping inscriptions that are more difficult to interpret.
The structure retains numerous traces of its long history: tool marks and handwork, old holes, pegs and joints, abrasions, small cracks, irregularities, and traces of previous work. These elements were intentionally left visible and contribute significantly to the character of the piece.
The chair also features particularly slender and unusual proportions: it reaches 123 cm in height, and the seat is approximately 70 cm from the floor. This latter measurement is significantly higher than that of a common modern chair and is a unique feature of the piece; it is therefore reproduced in its entirety without making undocumented assumptions about its original intended use.
The original seat is no longer present. The wooden structure that supported it, however, is preserved and is clearly visible in the photographs. Any reconstruction of the seat is left to the future owner, preferably through interventions that respect the existing structure and patina.
Given its construction, the morphology of the upper back, the shaped crosspieces, the workmanship, and overall character, the chair can be attributed to the tradition of rustic Italian refectory chairs from the 17th–18th centuries, likely from central-northern Italy.
The piece is offered in its current condition, fully preserving its patina, engravings, and traces of its history. It shows signs of wear, cracks, abrasions, old holes, and interventions consistent with its estimated age, in addition to the aforementioned absence of the seat. Therefore, we recommend carefully examining all photographs, which are an integral part of the description and document in detail the condition, construction, and engravings.
Dimensions: total height 123 cm; width 42 cm; depth 42 cm; height to seat approximately 70 cm.
Material: Solid wood
Type: Rustic high-backed chair / refectory-style
Attributed origin: Central-northern Italy
Attributed period: 17th–18th century
Decoration: Shaped crosspieces and engraved uprights
Distinguishing features: Antique engravings and initials, including the legible "E" and "B"
Condition: Antique, with a pronounced patina and signs of use; seat missing.
Due to the size and fragility of this antique chair, I do not ship; collection is entirely the responsibility of the final buyer.
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BRONZE Seller in
Reggio-Emilia, Italia
