Help identifying unusual chair

Hi there. I bought this chair recently and haven’t been able to find out much about it. It’s a heavy, solid wood with black leather upholstery. It has simple geometric carved designs. It’s low to the ground and the whole seat comes off.

Side view by Poettess posted May 26, 2018 at 10:18 AM

Design on side by Poettess posted May 26, 2018 at 10:18 AM

Overall look of the chair by Poettess posted May 26, 2018 at 10:18 AM

 

Welcome to the forum, Poettess.
It looks Art Deco to me, but the furniture people will be able to tell you more.

 

I get a later vibe,maybe 40s. Im wondering if its not a church or masonic temple piece,I just dont see this as a "home" piece. Maybe some other public venue? Its a great chair,and I bet its solid as a rock.

 

It's not screaming church at me, but it came from some place it didn't get beat up on. Masonic lodge maybe?

 

I took it to a local antiques appraisal event sponsored by the historical society. He thought it was Bauhaus, maybe Austrian. 1880s. It is very solid and very comfortable. I thought Masonic too given the eye symbol.

 

The guy I bought it from said he bought it from an old guy who had 50 years, and the guy he bought it from had it for a similar length of time. So probably earlier than 1940s. I think it looks like arts and crafts. The wood is beautiful.

 

Could you please show a picture with the seat removed?

 

Sure.

 

Hmmm very interesting!

 

What are you thinking, Huntingtreasure?

 

Nothing in particular, it’s just unusual. I wanted it shown because I noticed in your post. Want to see what @verybrad says, when he’s online.

 

I wonder if the seat was used as a kneeler.

 

Could see how this could be secessionist 20s or so. Otherwise, hard to pin down. Don't think it is American.

 

Bauhaus is 1919-1933, these are Bauhaus chairs:


These are Vienna Secessionist, late 19th century:



Your chair reminds me of Amsterdam School style, this one dates from 1916:

I mentioned the Amsterdam School set before in this thread:
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/ebony-table.16778/page-2#post-231909

 

Thank you all so much for your input. Looking at images secessionist seems closest, mostly because of the curve of the arms. Still mysterious. This is fun!

I’ll keep digging. It struck me this morning that it’s meant to be viewed from at least three sides, because of the carving. The Odd Fellows use an eye motif but not like this one. Hm.

 

But that is all. It is very far from Vienna Secessionist imho. Too heavy, for one. Closer to Amsterdam School, but probably made somewhere else around the same time or a little later.

 

Think the Amsterdam school fits …… kind of see it as a subset of secessionism from my viewpoint across the pond

 

I showed the photos to a guy in New Hampshire who’s a retired appraiser (50 years). He thought it was the same period people here are saying, and European. He thinks it may be a one of a kind, one-off item.

His son pointed out that the front feet don’t fit with the rest of it. I looked again and indeed there is glue visible around the top of the feet.

 

Thank you for the update, it is always good to get more eyes on a piece.

 

Some more Amsterdam School, maybe it helps: