Charles II Joined Oak Armchair

A fine Charles II joined oak armchair of regional Yorkshire form, the cresting rail boldly carved with scrolling foliage above a back panel centred by a large lozenge enclosing a stylised flowerhead, framed with leafy spandrels. The stiles are ornamented with leafy carved detail, and the downswept arms rest on turned supports. The seat rail is decorated with a run of egg-and-dart carving, the lower back rail with double S-scrolls. The whole raised on simple baluster-turned legs joined by moulded stretchers.
This chair exemplifies the distinctive West Yorkshire idiom of the Restoration period, where bold geometric devices such as the lozenge were combined with vigorous naturalistic ornament. The lozenge was a traditional symbol of constancy and security, a popular motif in 17th-century furniture, particularly in the north of England.