Is That Really An Antique Chippendale Chair? Find Out Before You Buy!
The term ‘Chippendale’ is widespread in antique furniture collectors’ circles, yet its common usage is quite vague and misleading, especially to those who are just beginning to invest in classic home pieces. Hopefully, this article will provide more enlightenment on this matter.
Thomas Chippendale is actually the first non-monarch to have furniture style named after him. He is a carpenter from London whose design style became so widespread among the wealthy class, and eventually to the rest of the world, after he published his portfolio. The Chippendale style essentially combined French Rococo elements with Chinese and Gothic influences, among others. Creations by Chippendale himself are quite rare to find – antique Chippendale chairs nowadays often pertain to middle to late 18th century manufactured chairs a la Chippendale style.
Antique Chippendale chairs are notable primarily because of the intricate designs at the chairs’ backs, and its traditional vase-like shape. The most popular of Chippendale forms is the ribbon-back or ribband chair, with two C-scrolls meeting delicately in a loop or ribbon in the splat (chair’s back) and a straight-edged seat frame. Newel, an antique shop based in New York, sells for retail a 19th century ribbon-back styled chair carved from mahogany with slip seat for around $2,250 (Inventory number 020056B). However, if you are looking for a set to fill your dining room table, Salisbury Antiques Center offers a set of ribband chairs made of quality timber around the late 19th century, for an exceptional price of $8,505. If money is tight and you seeking modern, quality reproductions instead, Item STCAD11U/12UL is available from Leonards’ Antique Furniture.
If you want antique Chippendale chairs for your bedroom, Chinese inspired structures are recommended – mainly characterized by open backs with lattice designs, and pagoda-like designs on the crest rail. Rather than upholstery, caned seats with loose cushions are sometimes used. Choices for buying such include the Chinese Chippendale armchairs that come in at most 17 different colors for around $800 a piece at Fine Garden Products or the Chinese Chippendale Dining Side chair which is available for approximately $1040 at The Well Appointed House. If outdoor variants are more of your taste, there are always Chinese Chippendale Lattice Benches which come in most standard colors as well starting at $2050. For low cost reproductions, Jonathan Adler manufactures Chinese Chippendale chairs for around $450 to $650 a piece.
Another popular antique Chippendale chair choice is the Cupid’s bow form. From the name, the slats bear resemblance to the bow used in Cupid’s Roman representations. Crest rails are serpentine shaped and the carved cambriole legs terminate in claw-and-ball feet. Straight leg designs joined with stretchers soon became available, too. These Cupid’s bow types can be obtained individually or as a set starting at $275 from Tuscano.
Remember remember that original Chippendales and antique Chippendale style chairs are very rare - such chairs are often sold for thousands and even hundreds of dollars! If a retailer sells one for less, it is most likely reproduced. As a guide, reproductions tend to be narrower and more symmetrical, as hand carved irregularities are key marks of antique Chippendale chairs. So, ask for documentation from the retailer if he claims to be offering ‘originals.Buyer beware before signing that check!
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