Two Stunning High Back Charles II/James II Oak Side Chairs

To the left is a remarkable James II oak side chair. The extremely tall and elegant back is formed from two turned baluster uprights, which terminate in large bold “acorns” (all turned from the solid – known as integral), with a carved and pierced crest rail set between.

The long raised panel back, which is slightly curved, sits within a run-moulded frame, and leaves a “letter-box” gap to the seat, which is rebated into the moulded seat rails.

The turned front legs are joined by a broad cross-stretcher, which echoes the shape of the cresting rail, the sides and centre stretchers all exhibit the skill of the turner.

A true compliment and skill and “eye” of the chair-maker.

Wonderful colour and patina.

English, circa 1685-90.

Height 49.5 inches, width 18 inches, depth 15 inches.

Ref 2143

To the right is a highly sophisticated Charles II oak side chair, having a tall elegant back, with scrolled and carved crest rail, set between spirally-turned and chamfered uprights. Two vertical scrolled and fretted splats flank a spiral twisted central baluster, sitting on a horizontal rail with similar scrolled decoration.

The seat, cut from a single oak board, is both chamfered and recessed, and sits into run-moulded rails.

The legs, with a short ball-turning above a carved knee and scooped out lower leg, with finely carved scrolls to form feet. The front legs are joined by a scrolling stretcher, the central middle stretcher has a twist turning, whilst the side stretchers have baluster turnings.

A remarkable chair to be made in oak – normally one would expect this degree of sophistication to be made in walnut.

English, circa 1680.

Height 48.5 inches, width 20 inches, depth 15 inches.

Ref 2504