Bentwood Schaukel-Fauteuil No. 1
Decorative Art; Rocking Chair • Michael Thonet or Gebrüder Thonet (Original design) or early 20th-century competitor/manufacturer
Style & Movement
Historicism / Art Nouveau / Thonet Bentwood
Medium & Technique
Steam-bent beechwood and hand-woven cane (Wiener Geflecht)
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (c. 1880-1920)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 100cm x 55cm x 110cm (L x W x H)
Subject Description
A classic 'Schaukel-Fauteuil' featuring elaborate S-scroll side supports that form the runners, armrests, and back support. The design utilizes the tensile strength of steam-bent wood to create a lightweight, curvilinear silhouette. It includes a cane-seated insert, though currently shown in a disassembled or overturned state.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Poor to Fair; Significant wear and missing components
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 USD (due to current condition and lack of provenance)
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely domestic use. No visible manufacturer stamps or 'Made in Austria/Poland' paper labels are clearly visible in the image, common for mass-produced export pieces of this era.
Art Historical Significance
The Thonet rocking chair represents a revolution in industrial design and mass production. Thonet's process of bending solid wood with steam allowed for organic, fluid forms that predated and influenced modern furniture design, marking a transition from heavy Victorian ornament to functional elegance.
Notable Features
Features the iconic 'Model No. 1' concentric scrollwork which is the most decorative of the Thonet rocker designs, characterized by the large loop forming the central structural support.
Condition Issues
Visible surface abrasions, dust accumulation, wood drying/fading, and likely loss of the original seat or back cane. The structural integrity of the joints is questionable given its storage environment.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning and oiling of the beechwood, replacement of cane webbing, and structural reinforcement of the screw-bolt joints. Store in a climate-controlled environment to prevent wood splitting.