2 bobbin chairs

These 'Bobbin' or spool chairs originated in the late 17th century in the US and Northern Europe and have been produced ever since. Woodworkers used a lathe to turn wood into these distinctive, repeating spherical shapes. According to legend, early furniture makers actually used real, leftover wooden bobbins from textile mills to decorate the legs and spindles of chairs and beds. In France, these chairs were commonly found in 18th-century parlours and boudoirs as a symbol of status and taste. Today, they make a nice addition as side chairs, balancing nostalgic, rustic charm with modern chic. There were re-issues in the 1970s, but the older, truly antique versions of these chairs have rush seating attached with small nails to the frame, as seen in this set. The dark solid wood and rush are in good condition with some signs of use as shown in the pictures.