Antique Belgian Vannerie St. Jacques Handwoven Wicker Reclining Armchair With Pull-Out Footrest, C. 1900

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Description

Exceptional antique European handwoven wicker and rattan reclining armchair, dating to approximately 1890–1915.
This unusually elaborate chair features a tall … Read more Exceptional antique European handwoven wicker and rattan reclining armchair, dating to approximately 1890–1915.
This unusually elaborate chair features a tall woven back, generously proportioned woven seat, gracefully curved arms and an ingenious integrated pull-out footrest, allowing the chair to transform from an upright armchair into a comfortable reclining lounge chair.
The construction is particularly impressive. The seat, back, arms and footrest display intricate geometric herringbone and basket-weave patterns, while the bent rattan framework incorporates numerous hand-wrapped joints and decorative curved supports. The warm honey-to-deep-brown patina developed over more than a century gives the chair tremendous character.
Most importantly, the chair retains its original period manufacturer’s/dealer label, which appears to read:
“Vannerie St. Jacques”
“Ch. Kenninck”
“Marché au Lin”
The French wording and Marché au Lin address point toward Belgian manufacture or retail, likely Ghent/Gand, an important commercial center where historical records document Marché au Lin addresses. The chair’s sophisticated reclining construction, extensive hand weaving, surviving original label and unusually complete pull-out footrest make it a particularly decorative example of late-19th/early-20th-century European wicker furniture.
Ideal for a conservatory, sunroom, covered veranda, Palm Beach interior, traditional library or eclectic collected interior. See less