Antique bentwood chairs – Central Europe, circa 1930 #1 – Set of 2 pieces

Set of two antique bentwood chairs, featuring a curved backrest and vertical slats with a molded wooden seat. Originating from Central Europe, where beech was steam-bent in iron molds 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. Attributed to the Thonet tradition or the Central European bentwood school (notably Jacob & Josef Kohn or Fischel), this piece exhibits the formal and constructive characteristics of early 20th-century Viennese bentwood, although no markings allow for certain attribution. The seat circles and stretchers are made from a single piece of steam-bent beech; the rear legs extend into the backrest posts. The joints are screwed from the inside, with visible heads under the seat. The seat features a stamped rosette in its center. Details. Dimensions: Length 45 cm – Depth 41 cm – Height 91 cm. Piece #1: Length 45 cm – Depth 41 cm – Height 91 cm – Seat height 48 cm. Piece #2: Length 44 cm – Depth 41 cm – Height 88 cm – Seat height 48 cm. Style: Viennese Secession. Materials and techniques: Solid steam-bent beech; molded wooden seat; original varnish. Place of origin: Central Europe. Period: Viennese Secession. Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Condition / Observations: Retains its old varnish with wear on the edges and supports. The joints are firm. Wear consistent with age and use.