Early 19th Century Italian Walnut Grotto Chair

Description

This whimsical 19th-century Venetian grotto chair is carved from gorgeous dark brown walnut. The piece features a large-scale open scallop … more This whimsical 19th-century Venetian grotto chair is carved from gorgeous dark brown walnut. The piece features a large-scale open scallop shell motif on the back and seat, with sinuous curves and ridges throughout. The arms are stylized dolphins, crafted with immense detail down to the ridged fins and expressive eyes. The legs are similarly detailed, forming a coral/rocaille motif.

The term 'rocaille' derives from the French words ‘roc,’ meaning 'rock,' and ‘coquille,’ meaning 'shell.' It is associated with the Rococo style, especially in grotto-inspired designs where shells and rocks are prevalent motifs, resembling an artificial grotto.

Grotto style is inextricably linked to Rococo stylings, evidenced by the term deriving from the combination of the French words 'rocaille' and 'coquillage,' which refers to the shellwork used to adorn grottos. The grotto style is characterized by motifs referential to historical grottos—caves near water sources, adorned with stones and shells, used as shrines in Ancient Greece. Common imagery includes shells, sea forms, stylized dolphins, seahorses, and rock forms.

Venetian furniture makers were prolific and renowned for creating chairs like this, emphasizing nautical themes. The Italian grotto style peaked in the nineteenth century. There have been many design interpretations of this chair, with many excluding the dolphin arms, making this piece a rarer and more sought-after design.

This fantastical piece is as compelling as it is beautifully crafted, making it a conversation starter and a show-stopping design element for any space.

H=37 in. W=22.5 in. D=23.5 in. 25 lbs.
Seat: H=15.5 in. W=14 in. D= 20.5 in.
Armrest: H=25 in. less