Name/Title
Child Ladder-back ChairEntry/Object ID
100116Scope and Content
That is a classic example of a ladder-back chair (also frequently called a slat-back chair) featuring a traditional rush seat.
Based on its construction and the rustic fireplace setting, this piece carries a wonderful historical aesthetic. Here is a breakdown of its key features:
Key Characteristics
The Backrest: It features three horizontal, slightly curved wooden slats (the "ladders") framed by two upright turned posts. This style dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe but became incredibly popular in colonial America due to its simple, sturdy, and lightweight design.
The Seat: The seat is woven from rush (typically dried cattails, seagrass, or straw). It is woven in a traditional four-triangle envelope pattern that meets perfectly in the center. Rush seats are famous for being surprisingly comfortable, durable, and easily replaceable by skilled weavers.
The Frame: It has turned wooden legs connected by multiple stretchers (the horizontal rungs near the bottom) which give the lightweight frame its structural integrity and strength. Value ? in board room