Antique bentwood chairs – Central Europe, circa 1930 #2 – Set of 2 pieces

Set of two antique bentwood chairs, featuring a closed arched backrest with an inner loop and a moulded board seat. Originating from Central Europe, where beech was steam-bent in iron moulds and assembled with through screws. The steam-bent beech chair was born in Vienna in the mid-19th century and became the most widespread seat in Europe: lightweight, sturdy, dismountable, and inexpensive to transport. Its presence in cafés, dining rooms, and waiting areas made it so common that it became almost invisible. Attributed to the Thonet tradition or the Central European bentwood school (notably Jacob & Josef Kohn or Fischel), this piece exhibits the formal and constructive characteristics of early 20th-century Viennese bentwood, although no markings allow for certain attribution. The arched backrest is a single steam-bent beech rod closed upon itself, stiffened by an inner loop. The seat is circular with a moulded edge, and the lower circle connects the four saber legs. Details. Dimensions: Length 47 cm – Depth 44 cm – Height 89 cm. Piece #1: Length 47 cm – Depth 44 cm – Height 89 cm – Seat height 46 cm. Piece #2: Length 48 cm – Depth 43 cm – Height 89 cm – Seat height 46 cm. Style: Viennese Secession. Materials and techniques: Solid steam-bent beech; moulded board seat; original varnish. Place of origin: Central Europe. Period: Viennese Secession. Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Condition / Observations: Retains its original varnish with wear on the edges and supports. The joints are firm. Wear consistent with age and use.