17th-century English oak joint stool with turned legs

A genuine joint stool from the 17th century: a stool of solid oak with mortise-and-tenon joints secured with wooden pegs (hence ‘joined’). The four slightly splayed legs are finely turned, the rails beneath the top have a shaped lower edge and the moulded top has a beautiful, deep patina. 17th-century furniture that is still this complete and sturdy is becoming ever harder to find. This joint stool has exactly what we look for: honest craftsmanship, traces of more than three centuries of use and a colour that cannot be faked. Perfect as a side table next to a sofa or bed, as a stool in the hallway or as a plant stand. It feels at home in a wabi sabi, country, English cottage or 17th-century Dutch interior, and instantly gives a modern home character. Sturdy and perfectly usable. The top shows old shrinkage cracks, an inserted peg and the signs of use you would expect from a piece of furniture of this age. Good and sturdy, with authentic signs of age. The top has old shrinkage cracks, an inserted wooden peg and a deep, uneven patina. One side rail has remnants of old white paint or lime. The bottoms of the legs are worn from centuries of use and one of the turned rings on a leg has old damage (see photos).