A pair of gold-coloured bamboo folding chairs with embroidered velvet seats, 1940, France

This elegant pair of folding chairs, made of gold-painted imitation bamboo, produced in France around 1940, captivates with its combination of a light, refined frame and richly embroidered velvet seats. The two chairs, which match perfectly in terms of their structure and decorative framing, are distinguished by the scenes depicted on their seats.
On the first seat, the orange velvet background features a delicate composition centred on a tree whose crown and branches reach towards the sky. A few butterflies alight on the branches, whilst a cocoon appears on one of the highest leaves. A single, fully bloomed flower completes this scene, in which nature is depicted in various stages of transformation: from chrysalis to blossoming. The whole is accentuated by a gilded frieze in relief, which frames the composition and echoes the gilding of the bamboo frame.
The second chair features the same gilded frame but depicts a different scene. At the centre, a dark wooden bow and its purple and white quiver are set against a lush bush of flowering peonies. The branches and foliage seem to wind their way around the weapon, creating an interesting contrast between the delicacy of the flowers and the more martial nature of the bow and quiver. This combination of plant motifs and objects evoking hunting or archery contributes to the decorative and slightly exotic character of the composition.
Both embroideries now show some signs of ageing, though these do not detract from the brilliance of the colours or the richness of the motifs, which retain their full impact on the velvet.
The gold-painted wood, combined with the embroidered velvet and the embossed frames, gives the chairs an aesthetic that is both opulent and light.
Whether together or separately, these chairs will bring a refined and warm touch to any interior. Their combination of gilded bamboo-inspired forms, velvet and figurative embroidery makes them pieces full of charm.