Italian Black Lacquer Venetian Grotto Shell-Back Dining Chairs, Set of 4

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Description

Striking set of four vintage Italian grotto-style dining chairs, circa 1970s, featuring dramatic sculptural scallop-shell backs in high-gloss black lacquer. … Read more Striking set of four vintage Italian grotto-style dining chairs, circa 1970s, featuring dramatic sculptural scallop-shell backs in high-gloss black lacquer. The deeply molded fan backs have beautifully articulated ribbing and a small scroll detail at the base, paired with gently curved legs and generously proportioned upholstered seats.

The seats retain their existing pale blue-green floral damask upholstery in soft pink, cream and taupe tones. Upholstery is usable but shows age and wear and would be an excellent candidate for a designer-selected fabric.

The black lacquer retains a beautiful glossy finish overall, with scattered scratches, chips and areas of finish loss, most notably toward the lower legs and feet, as shown in the photographs. These condition issues have been left as found rather than restored. Chairs are structurally very sound.

A particularly decorative matched set with the theatrical quality associated with the Venetian grotto tradition and its 20th-century Italian revival. Equally compelling around a dining or game table or used as occasional chairs. See less