Moorish Moroccan 19th Century Folding Chair Inlaid

Antique Middle Eastern Egyptian Moorish walnut wood folding chair with intricate foliate carving and mother of pearl, shell inlays. Arabian Syrian styl...

A striking late 19th-century Egyptian Moorish Revival folding chair, circa 1880, finely handcrafted in carved walnut and accented with delicate mother-of-pearl and shell inlay. The ...

A striking late 19th-century Moorish folding chair, circa 1880, handcrafted in dark wood and richly ornamented with intricate carving and delicate mother-of-pearl inlay. The chair has the distinctive sculptural construction associated with traditional Middle Eastern folding or X-frame seating. Long, slender carved wooden members intersect beneath the seat to form the folding support, while the dramatically elongated back rises to an elaborately carved crest. Its narrow proportions and rhythmic vertical elements give the chair an architectural quality that is particularly attractive when displayed as a decorative accent. The wooden surfaces are densely worked with hand-carved foliate, geometric and arabesque ornament, reflecting the decorative vocabulary of late Ottoman-period Small mother-of-pearl inlays punctuate the dark wood throughout the back, seat and lower framework, creating luminous points of contrast. Especially appealing is the ornamental crest, which incorporates crescent-and-star imagery together with additional inlaid details and carved decoration. Rather than overwhelming the chair, these small shimmering elements emphasize its vertical silhouette and demonstrate the painstaking workmanship involved in its construction. The folding construction also makes this an interesting example of furniture in which utility and ornament are inseparable. Today it works beautifully as a sculptural occasional chair or decorative collector's object, particularly in Mediterranean, Moorish, Spanish Colonial, Orientalist, eclectic or contemporary interiors where an individual antique can provide historical depth. The chair retains an attractive aged surface and rich antique patina. There are scattered losses to the mother-of-pearl inlay and other minor imperfections consistent with its age and handmade construction. These losses are visible in the photographs and contribute to the authentic character of this approximately 140-year-old piece. I would not restore the missing inlay before listing it unless structurally necessary; sophisticated collectors often prefer this kind of original surface. Dimensions: 41 in. H × 17 in. W × 18 in. D. Date: circa 1880 Period: Late 19th Century Origin: Lebanon Materials: Carved wood, mother-of-pearl or shell inlay Techniques: Hand-carved, hand-inlaid, handcrafted Condition: Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use; minor losses, including areas of missing inlay, as shown. I would change “Place of Origin: Morocco”.” The existing listing text already identifies it as Lebanon, and the chair's form and dense carved-and-inlaid decoration are much more appropriately marketed within the/Damascene furniture...

Antique Middle Eastern Egyptian Moorish walnut wood folding chair with intricate foliate carving and mother of pearl, shell inlays. Arabian Syrian styl...

An exceptional folding chair crafted from finely carved wood, clearly inspired by Moorish or Islamic design. It is distinguished by its rich geometric decoration and elaborate marque...

Antique 19th century Oriental work, folding chair in carved wood, bone inlay, circa 1880

Damascus wood and inlaid chair late 19th century.

A Moorish style Moroccan wooden armchair from circa 1900 with bone inlaid décor, carved back, scrolling arms and carved base. This exquisite Moorish-style Moroccan wooden armchair, d...