Featured Monk's chair ??

Hello, I found this table in a second-hand shop. I paid 50 euros for it. It was sold as a table with a separate table top. After some research, it turns out to be a monk's chair-table. I believe it is English oak. My questions are: Does it come from England and how old is it? Kind regards, Ivo

 

looks really old......... & not the oak I'm used to..

 

Most of the ones I saw on line say that they are from the 1600s. But IDK if that's correct. It looks like it's been varnished along the way. It's really interesting and seems very functional.

 

I suspect this one is really old too. I can clearly see tool marks and subtle ripples from the hand-planing blocks. The wood has shrunk, causing the dowels to stick out a little. If you look closely and measure it, you’ll see that no two legs are exactly the same.

 

Ditto. It is a beauty.

 

Were monks allowed to have fancy furniture??

 

Probably not. But just in case your question is not in jest, Mr. Google says they don't know why it's called a monk's chair since there is no evidence that monks ever had one or sat in one. I have trouble discerning jokes or other emotions on the internet which I suppose is why they invented emojis. For the emote detecting impaired.

 

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I 've got this appraisal from antique dealer in the US:
Appraisal: Early 18th Century English Provincial Oak Monk's Bench / Convertible Table Chair
Estimated Value: $3.850 ($2.500 - $5.000)
Era: Early 18th Century (Queen Anne/Early Georgian)
Condition: Good
This is a fine example of an early 18th Century English Provincial Oak Monk's Bench or Convertible Table Chair. Its ingenious dual-purpose design, robust oak construction, and rich, well-preserved patina make it a desirable piece of historical furniture. Despite extensive surface wear and age-related wood movement, its structural integrity remains good, reflecting centuries of utilitarian use. The market for such authentic, functional antiques is stable, with moderate demand from collectors appreciating vernacular forms and historical charm.
I thinks he's correct about the item but the price is way to high. I replied: If you give me half I'll ship it for free to the US. I didn't get a response yet...

 

My guess is that it is called a monk's chair/table because it could fit in a monk's cell; a compact way to have a chair, a table & a drawer. Maybe also because the chair looks like it could be a form of penance!

 

Welcome Marivo- a great debut share. I'd think (?) even our most paranoid members might have to judge this piece as being actually old-it's a beauty !
One of the more intriguing pieces seen here recently.

God bless Emojis-I've seen some very weird things happen here with well-meaning folks trying to be humorous-doesn't always go as intended.
PS- I used to practice w/ my amigo Charlie Ches.

 

how old is that appraisal......?

 

From yesterday.

 

As @Bronwen said (of course):

https://restoredfurniture.co.uk/blogs/restored/the-historyandevolutionofmonkschairs

 

This is an amazing thing. I've never seen anything like it. It seems old and original.