Mid-century oak and rush dining chairs, 1950s, set of 4

A vintage set of four French dining chairs in dark-stained oak and hand-woven natural rush, in the style of Charles Dudouyt and produced in France during the 1950s. Combining French rustic modernism with a distinctly sculptural, brutalist character, the chairs feature woven rush seats and backrests, substantial square oak frames and distinctive ball finials. Designer: In the style of Charles Dudouyt. Origin: France. Period: 1950s. Style: French rustic modern / modernist / brutalist. Materials: Dark-stained oak, hand-woven natural rush. Dimensions: 38 W × 38 D × 80.5 H cm (15.0 W × 15.0 D × 31.7 H in) Seat height: 44 cm (17.3 in) Quantity: Set of 4. The chairs have a compact, architectural construction built from straight square-section frames, softened by spherical finials at the top of each back. Both the seats and broad backrests are extensively wrapped in natural rush, creating a strong contrast between the dark, geometric timber structure and the warm organic texture of the weaving. The seats are woven in directional sections that meet towards the centre, adding subtle visual rhythm and craftsmanship to the otherwise restrained form. Decades of use have given both the oak and rush a rich, naturally varied patina. Condition. Good vintage condition with visible signs of age and use consistent with the period. The dark-stained wooden frames show scratches, surface wear, areas of finish loss, colour variation and a naturally developed patina. The original rush weaving remains present throughout and shows age-related wear, dryness and variation in tone, with some loosened, worn and broken strands and small localised losses, particularly to sections of the seats. The differences between the four chairs are visible in the detailed photographs and form part of their authentic vintage character.