17th century Alpine carved walnut Brettstuhl armchair with grotesque mask

Rare 17th century carved walnut board armchair, circa 1650–1680, from the Alpine region (Switzerland, Tyrol or Southern Germany). This type of chair is known as a Brettstuhl, Escabelle or Stabelle. The backrest is deeply carved from a single piece of walnut. It shows a bearded mask sticking out its tongue, framed by bold acanthus scrolls. This motif, known as a Neidkopf, was believed to ward off envy and evil spirits, and it appears on Alpine furniture and houses of the period. The armrests end in carved volutes and rest on openwork scrolled supports. The four splayed legs are socketed into the thick plank seat in the traditional way. Armchair versions of the Brettstuhl are much rarer than the usual side chairs. This one combines that rarity with carving of unusually high quality. The walnut has a warm, deep colour and a fine old patina. The construction, colour and wear underneath are consistent with the age. There is a small old wooden repair in one armrest volute (see photos) and wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions: height 93 cm, width 55 cm, depth 51 cm, seat height 48 cm.