19th C. Belter Style Chair With Pheasant Needlepoint

Description

Late 19th Century John Henry Belter Style Chair with custom needlepoint of a pheasant.

Heavily carved Victorian mahogany or rosewood … more Late 19th Century John Henry Belter Style Chair with custom needlepoint of a pheasant.

Heavily carved Victorian mahogany or rosewood chair. It has individual nailheads and casters on the front legs.

Originally, when this chair was purchased in 1920 from Susquehanna Antiques of Asheville, NC, the store said it was mahogany, but it could be laminated rosewood. There are individual nailheads, castors and beautiful custom designed needlepoint fabric. The needlepoint fabric was designed by J. Folles Freres, Vienna, NC. Needlepoint done by Carolyn Cowan Fisher, Asheville, NC.

John Henry Belter (1804-1863) was one of the most celebrated figures in 19th-century American furniture. Belter furniture is associated with one of the finest and most innovative examples of the Rococo Revival period in America. He worked mainly with laminated wood, designing furniture ranging from relatively simple to extensively ornate pieces. Belter took cues from the 18th-century Rococo elements, modified it to fit the demand of the 19th-century, and introduced more complex ornaments. Graceful curves, elaborately openwork carved decoration, flamboyant shapes, and natural motifs are characteristics of Belter furniture. Although Belter favored rosewood, he made pieces in oak and mahogany as well. Belter specialized in parlor and bedroom furniture. less