Antique bentwood armchair Thonet – Austria, circa 1900

Antique curved wooden armchair, with armrests ending in a volute under a curved backrest and a moulded wooden seat. Originates from Austria, where beech was steam-bent in iron moulds and assembled with through screws. The steam-bent beech chair was born in Vienna in the mid-19th century and became the most widespread seat in Europe: lightweight, sturdy, disassemblable, and inexpensive to transport. Its presence in cafés, dining rooms, and waiting rooms made it so common that it became almost invisible. These are indeed Thonet chairs, even if no stamp or mark attests to their authenticity. Details Dimensions: Length 58 cm – Depth 61 cm – Height 93 cm – Seat height 46 cm Style: Vienna Secession Materials and techniques: Solid steam-bent beech; moulded wooden seat; original varnish. Place of origin: Austria Period: Vienna Secession Date of manufacture: Circa 1900 Condition / Observations: Retains its original varnish with wear on the edges and armrests. The joints are firm. Wear consistent with age and use.