19th Century Rococo Revival Carved Bergère Armchair, in the Manner of John Henry Belter

Details

Description

Exceptional 19th-century American Rococo Revival bergère armchair, circa 1850–1870, featuring an extensively carved wood frame, sweeping upholstered back, serpentine seat … Read more Exceptional 19th-century American Rococo Revival bergère armchair, circa 1850–1870, featuring an extensively carved wood frame, sweeping upholstered back, serpentine seat rail, carved cabriole front legs with casters, and an elaborate pierced floral-and-fruit crest.

The chair was recently examined by a professional upholstery shop experienced with antique furniture. The entire underside was carefully opened and disassembled for inspection, then properly reassembled. No original maker’s mark was discovered. Based on the chair’s construction, form, carving and period characteristics, the shop noted a strong stylistic affiliation with furniture by John Henry Belter and other high-quality American Rococo Revival makers of the period. They advised that additional identifying information, if present, could be concealed within the upholstered backrest, which was intentionally not opened in order to preserve the existing upholstery.

The chair retains a vintage Homecraft Studio, Columbus, Ohio renovation label, documenting an earlier professional renovation. The label identifies Homecraft as the renovator rather than the original manufacturer. Traditional gimp trim remains throughout the upholstered edges.

The chair is exceptionally decorative, with carved floral, foliate and fruit motifs, dramatically curved framing and coordinated floral upholstery. It presents beautifully and remains in very good antique condition, with expected age-related wear to the wood and casters. Please review photographs for condition and construction details.

Attribution: Offered in the manner of John Henry Belter based on stylistic characteristics and professional examination. It is not represented as a documented or signed Belter piece. See less