Antique Campanino cherrywood armchair, Chiavari, Italy, late 19th century.

Antique Campanino armchair made of stained cherry wood, with a Vienna straw seat, crafted by Chiavari artisans in the late 19th century.

The art of Chiavari chair-making, with its centuries-old history, has always been expressed through a wide variety of models, reflecting tastes, fashions, and international trends, thanks to the skill and ingenuity of local craftsmen.

This particular armchair model, dating back to the late 19th century, is an original and comfortable chaise longue featuring a wide seat and enveloping armrests. The reclined backrest invites relaxation and contemplation. The unique openwork design of the backrest posts is notable, following the volumetric characteristics typically found in the turned elements of other classic Chiavari chair models.

The seat is made from bamboo filaments woven in the Vienna style, meticulously hand-tied and securely anchored to the supporting structure with wooden nails. The chair's black finish embodies the Napoleon III style, which was popular across Europe at the time.

This piece can be considered a compendium of the traditional techniques used in crafting lightweight Chiavari chairs. The wood employed is wild cherry, harvested at the correct lunar phase, according to tradition, to preserve the elasticity and technical characteristics of this challenging material. The curved lines of the structure are achieved through prolonged exposure of the wooden parts to steam, and then shaped within iron cages to induce the desired form.

A careful and meticulous restoration has returned the chaise longue to its original beauty and charm. Owning an antique example of Chiavari chair and armchair production today means surrounding oneself with a work of art that not only expresses a specific region but also has the capacity to appeal to high-end furniture collectors.

Dimensions: 58 W x 75 D x 90 H cm