I found these two chairs on Craigslist. I love this type of chair and had wanted an oriental mix in with my things. I was happy to find these two, no damage other than scratches. I didn't know what wood they were, but we solid and only scratches and some flecked paint off the cane on the seat. I was surprised that when I turned them over while inspecting them closer there was some writing under the chair seats. TEAK! $80 for both. The sit low, so they will not block view nor impose too much 'chair' in the room. The lady I got them from said they were about 20 years old and she is the first owner.
With the type of Empire style that I like, chairs without a bulkiness to them just don't hold up to that heavy look of my Empire chest and pedistal tables. They are nice and wide and have a deep seat. I will make pillows for the seat and lumbar pillows for the back. I love the X legs (horizontal cross framed with X stretchers taken from the Curule original design), I have seen many chairs like this but I don't like the chow legs (feet turned inward) look. And some Empire pieces have this same style legs, and curves.
I like that the finish is not a thick lacquer, so I can sand these a bit and will put some tung oil on them and perhaps wax. The finish that is on them now is a dull thin layered black paint.
Another view of the two chairs.
This shows my Empire styled bureau that is bulky.
Ellen let me know when she saw the photo of my CL finds of two chairs and that I was using my new 'prize' pillow, and let me know that she had another! I ordered it from her and now I have the set!
