This rare chair is illustrated in the 1901 edition of George Leland Hunter, Italian Furniture and Interiors, New York, 1917, pl. 90. It is described as a small 15th century chair, and the provenance is recorded. (See below.) Our research indicates this chair is referred to as a cabinet chair, which is a form of the period. See the 15th century French walnut chair in the attached portrait.

This chair has a wonderfully carved backsplat that shows the human hand in carving of this early period. The surface is wonderful and historic, if not first. The arms are beautifully sculptured, and in profile, are reminiscent of wing chair forms, with the thick ends that cover the full height of the backsplat in solid.

This chair is of small scale and would be upholstered in a thick cushion perhaps with tassels.