Birdseye Maple Armchair with Caned Seat
Decorative Art / Furniture • Attributed to Herndon & Merry (or similar high-end custom furniture manufacture)
Style & Movement
Chinoiserie / Ming Revival Modernism
Medium & Technique
Birdseye maple wood with hand-woven cane (rattan) seat; features carved splat detailing and rounded joinery.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s - 1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 42-45 inches (height) x 22 inches (width) x 20 inches (depth). Vertical armchair format.
Subject Description
An armchair featuring a high, curved 'official’s hat' backrest silhouette inspired by Ming Dynasty Chinese furniture. It includes a carved lingzhi (fungus of immortality) or ruyi motif on the central splat, swept-back arms, and a light-colored birdseye maple finish.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (Grade: Good to Very Good). The caning appears intact and the wood finish retains its luster, though localized scuffing is visible on the legs.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$250 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a high-end interior design showroom or custom estate commission. The provided name 'Herndon' likely refers to the manufacturer or a previous owner of note.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the late-20th-century trend of 'Orientalist' revival in high-end Western furniture, where classical Chinese proportions were adapted using exotic North American hardwoods like birdseye maple.
Notable Features
Distinguished by the use of Birdseye maple which provides a 'dotted' aesthetic texture; unique fusion of Asian form with contemporary Western material; high-tension caning in excellent structural state.
Condition Issues
Visible surface wear on the lower rungs and legs consistent with floor contact; minor dust accumulation in the caning weave; potential slight yellowing of the lacquer over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Regular dusting with a soft microfiber cloth; application of a high-quality paste wax to protect the maple finish; maintain indoor humidity at 40-50% to prevent the cane from becoming brittle.
Collector Notes
Herndon