19th Century Italian Grit Stone Grotto Chairs

Two rare early 19th century carved gritstone Italian Grotto chairs.

Each carved from a single block of heavy gritstone, remarkable detail throughout.

The larger chairs backrest is dominated by a scallop shell, this detail alone is worthy of merrit, the side profile of the shell is finely worked showing the mastery of the carver, the base of the shell has a hollow all the way through, showing off ? maybe, or to attach a string for a seat cushion, the plain seat is supported on large spreading leaves or fronds with a gentle movement and vigor to them, the oceanic elemnets of this chair are imagined mounted to a rough timber faux bois frame.

The smaller chair once again based on a faux bois framework has the backrest decorated with highly detailed leaves around a climbing vine, the oceanic elemnets of coral, sponges and fronds are limited to the front face of this chair, the pierced rear of this chair is a "Tour de Force" of the carvers art,.

Italian, Circa 1830.

Provenance, Private collection, Montferrat, Italy.

Price is per chair.

I’ve only encountered one other pair by the same hand, they are still part a private collection in the UK.

H: 32" W: 13.5" D: 13"

H: 81 W: 34 D: 34 CM