Turkey-work chair
The great rarity of this chair lies in the original wool Turkey-work that covers its seat and back. “Turkeywork” refers to a type of woven fabric with a knotted-and-cut wool pile that was made in England in imitation of Turkish carpets. Used for chairs, cushions, and table coverings, the fabric was exported in matching sets for chairs. Decorative fringe once covered the row of nails around the seat and back. Simple chair frames of this sort were also commonly upholstered in leather or plain wool fabric.
Artwork Details
- Title: Turkey-work chair
- Date: 1680–1700
- Geography: Probably made in Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Maple, oak
- Dimensions: 40 3/4 x 21 x 17 in. (103.5 x 53.3 x 43.2 cm)
- Credit Line: Bequest of Mrs. J. Insley Blair, 1951
- Object Number: 52.77.50
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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