Side Chair

Period1820 - 1860

MediumMaple and ash

Dimensions33.5 × 18 × 15 in. (85.1 × 45.7 × 38.1 cm)

ClassificationsSeating Furniture

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Moore, 1974

Object number1974.26

DescriptionFive bamboo turned spindles extend from the shoe to the bottom bow, while three continue to the top bow or crest rail. The rear stiles are simply turned in the round, as are the front stiles or legs that end in slightly tapered feet. Seven stretchers are just dowel turned. An old woven rush seat appears not to be original. The dark finish is paint over an older green coat and an even older varnished surface. Faint traces of gold ornamentation or stenciling are visible on the posts and elsewhere.
Curatorial RemarksThis chair combines elements of a Windsor with those of a traditional rush bottom chair. The bamboo turnings and double bow features of the back derive from square back Windsors. But otherwise, the chairmaker utilized the standard posts, seat lists, and stretchers of slat back rush bottom chairs made everywhere in New Jersey in the nineteenth century. The result is a chair of unique character, several others of which have been seen in Monmouth County collections.

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