Yellowwood Open Armchair with Leopard-Print Upholstery. Southern African, 20th Century
A striking and highly decorative South African yellowwood open armchair, acquired in Harare, retaining its original leopard-pattern upholstery.
The chair is particularly attractive for its warm, richly figured yellowwood frame, with a tall rectangular upholstered back above a generous upholstered seat. The elegant arms sweep gently forward and are enriched with reeded and rope-twist carved decoration, echoed along the seat rail.
The front corners are embellished with carved flowerhead paterae and fluted blocks, above finely fluted, tapering legs. The combination of neoclassical-inspired carving, beautifully coloured timber and bold leopard upholstery gives the chair considerable presence.
The original leopard-pattern covering is an important part of the chair’s character and provenance, creating a wonderfully distinctive Southern African colonial/decorative aesthetic. It would make an excellent statement chair in a drawing room, library, bedroom or entrance hall, and would work particularly well alongside antique furniture and contemporary interiors.
Further Measurements:W: 61cm (24")H: 108cm (42.5") - Seat height to wood 46cm, Seat height to top of dropped in seat 49.5cm, Seat depth 57.5cm, Seat width - widest 56.5cm  narrowest 52cm
Condition: Attractive aged surface and patination to the yellowwood, with minor marks and wear consistent with age and use.