A charming pair of early 20th century French children's armchairs handcrafted of bamboo with woven cane seats, circa 1920s, near Arles, the ancient Provençal town on the Rhône known for its Roman monuments, sun-washed architecture, and distinctive artistic heritage. Their rustic bamboo construction and warm, naturally aged surfaces feel particularly at home in this part of Provence, where simple vernacular furnishings have long existed comfortably alongside more formal French decorative traditions.
Petite in scale yet remarkably detailed, the chairs have all the character of full-size French bamboo furniture translated into proportions intended especially for children. Each chair is constructed with tall bamboo uprights terminating in carved, tiered finials, joined by gently undulating bamboo rails across the crest and lower back. Three slender vertical spindles punctuate each back, their wonderfully irregular turned forms echoing the natural nodes and rhythm of bamboo. The shaped arm supports and rounded bamboo arms extend forward in graceful curves, giving the little chairs a surprisingly sophisticated silhouette.
The handwoven cane seats are particularly beautiful, with their open lattice pattern providing a delicate counterpoint to the more substantial bamboo frames. The cane has mellowed naturally with age to a warm straw color that harmonizes beautifully with the honey and amber tones of the wood.
Perhaps most appealing is the patina. More than a century of age and use has left the bamboo with wonderfully varied shades of warm honey, caramel, ochre, and deeper brown, along with darker areas around the feet and joints. Small marks, rubbing, surface variations, and differences between the two chairs tell their history and give the pair the wonderfully relaxed character of genuine French country furniture.
While originally made as functional children's seating, today the pair is equally appealing for its decorative possibilities. They would be delightful in a child's bedroom or playroom, tucked beside a small table, or simply displayed as wonderfully whimsical pieces of French folk furniture. Their petite proportions, beautifully aged bamboo, and surviving cane seats make them especially charming as a pair.
*Currently aboard our latest container from France and Italy. Additional photographs will be added once these pieces arrives in Birmingham — but you don’t have to wait for the boat. Use Comments & Inquiries to ask about purchasing them before arrival.
Dimensions:
back h - 22"; seat h - 9"
w - 12"
d - 12"
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A CLOSER LOOK REVEALS
Origin: Arles, France
Date: Early 20th century
Material: Bamboo with woven cane seats
Design: Petite children's armchairs with tall bamboo uprights, tiered finials, shaped arms, and open spindle backs
Back: Undulating crest and lower rails with three slender turned vertical spindles
Seat: Handwoven open-lattice cane seats with naturally aged straw coloration
Detail: Rounded bamboo arms, shaped supports, naturalistic nodes, and softly irregular hand-worked elements throughout
Patina: Warm honey, caramel, ochre, and deeper brown tones with age-related rubbing, marks, and darker wear at the feet and joints
Condition: Very good antique condition with age-appropriate wear
Use: Ideal for a child's room, playroom, petite reading corner, or as charming decorative French folk furniture
Dimensions: 22"Back H × 9"Seat H × 12"W × 12"D
Sold: As a pair
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