An extremely rare early 19th century carved gritstone Grotto chair.
Carved from a single block of gritstone, remarkable detail throughout.
The backrest is dominated by a scallop shell, the side profile of the shell is very finely worked, the base of the shell has a hollow all the way through, to attach a string for a seat cushion, the seat is supported on large spreading seaweed fronds, the oceanic elements of this chair are imagined mounted to a rough timber faux bois frame.
Exceptional in all respects.
Italian, circa 1820.
Provenance, Private collection, Montferrat, Italy.
Height 32" (81cm).
Width 13.4" (34cm).
Depth 13.4" (34cm).
