19th-century French nursing armchair w/ rush seat

This superb antique French armchair is particularly low, as it is a Fauteuil d’Allaitement, a nursing chair. The chair is designed to provide extra support for the sitter's shoulder, the arms, and back.

Dating from the late-nineteenth to early-twentieth century, the design details are wonderful - note the little knobs on the back where towels could be hung. The seat is made from straw. Some woodworm. This armchair sits beside the fireplace in Patricia and Walter's living room at Chanteduc, their farmhouse in Provence. Likely French cherry wood.