Early 20th Century Thonet Style Miniature Doll Armchair - 13"

Gracefully formed and petite, this miniature doll’s armchair is crafted in steam-bent beech in the manner of Thonet, with a looping horseshoe back that continues into slender scrolled arms and splayed bent legs. The round seat is hand-caned in natural rattan, set within a beaded bentwood frame, and the surface retains a warm walnut-brown patina. Unmarked, it presents in very good, timeworn condition with gentle surface wear, small rubs to the finish, and a firm, intact cane seat. Early 20th-century, likely Austrian or French. Rooted in the Viennese bentwood tradition pioneered by Michael Thonet in the mid-19th century, this charming example echoes the iconic café and bistro chairs that became a fixture across Europe.

The technique of steam-bending beech allowed light, resilient frames with lyrical curves, while caned seats provided comfort and ventilation. Miniature versions were produced both as treasured toys and as salesman’s samples that demonstrated the precision and efficiency of the bentwood process, reflecting the era’s shift toward elegant, mass-producible design. Style it in a nursery or dressing room with a favorite doll or teddy bear, or use it as a whimsical perch for a small plant.

Condition and patina consistent with age.
Approx. overall 13" high x 7" wide x 8" deep. Seat is 6¾" high
Approx. overall 33cm high x 18cm wide x 20cm deep. Seat is 17cm high