18th-Century Queyras Valley Folk-Art Armchair - 37¾"

An 18th-century armchair from the Queyras Valley in the French Alps, this vernacular folk-art piece is hand carved in hardwood with a warm, nut-brown patina and a tightly woven rush seat. The ladder-back is composed of three subtly irregular slats, underscoring the chair’s fully handmade nature. Nothing is perfectly linear: gentle variations in the carving, arms, and structure speak to village craftsmanship, a rustic, intuitive approach to form, and the marks of long, daily use.

The rush seat was restored at some point and remains in good vintage condition. The frame shows age-related cracks, surface scuffs, and evidence of earlier repairs; notably, two stretcher bars have been replaced. Overall, the chair is sound and stable, though best suited for occasional seating or decorative use.

Today, this chairs brings a strong sense of place and history, offering a tactile reminder of rural craftsmanship and simple living. Style it beside a hearth or at the end of a console, where its sculptural form and patina can be fully appreciated.

Condition and wear consistent with age and use.
Approx. overall 37¾" high x 19¼" wide x 17¾" deep. Seat is 15" high
Approx. overall 96cm high x 49cm wide x 45cm deep. Seat is 38cm high