Louis XV Style Caned Armchair In Walnut, France Late 19th Century

This graceful armchair captures the late 19th century French fascination with reviving the exuberant curves of Louis XV design while employing the superb cabinet-making techniques of the Belle Époque. Fashioned from solid walnut selected for its warm, even grain, the frame flows in a continuous S-curve from the shoulders of the serpentine back down through the sinuous cabriole legs. Each knee and shoulder is embellished with crisp hand-carved acanthus leaves that attest to the quality of the workshop.

Both the backrest and the generous seat are hand-caned using the traditional six-way pattern. The caning remains supple and supportive; only a small, discreet loss on the left panel of the back hints at the chair’s age and speaks to its authenticity. Padded arm rests, secured with original brass nail-head trim, offer added comfort and a refined visual rhythm. A loose, box-edge cushion in subtly patterned pastel fabric accompanies the chair and can be easily re-covered to suit any interior palette.

The walnut has developed a lustrous, honey-brown patina over more than a century of careful use, its surface lightly burnished on the high points while retaining the rich depth of colour in the recesses. Solid and ready for daily service, this fauteuil works beautifully at a writing desk, as an accent in a bedroom, or grouped around a dining table where its airy caning keeps sight lines open.

France, circa 1890 – excellent structural condition with minor, age-consistent wear.