Xanthippos, Athens, circa 430-420 B.C.
Helena Modjeska (1840-1909)
Polish-American actress, as Laodamia on a Klismos chair
carved seats in the Dionysus Theater in Athens
Derived from the Greek word klino (a cause to lean), they say that the Klismos chair was mostly used by women. This elegant chair features graceful legs that sweep out from the seat, and a curved back that cradles the sitter. Depicted in ancient art, as a light weight chair (in some scenes, it is carried overhead) the Klismos chair is generally made of wood.
There are no known original Klismos chairs in existence, but the ancient chair design was ressurected in the 1700s by the French, during the Neoclassical period. It endured through the 1800s, became a popular chair in England, and then traveled to America by way of the famous furniture maker, Duncan Phyfe. Some Klismos chairs are painted, laquered, or golf leafed... others have woven seats, or decorative upholstery. Today, there seems to be a Klismos chair for everyone.
And, these are my Klismos dining chairs... They are from the 1950s. We reupholstered them (in Celerie Kemble's "betwixt") and gave them a coat of paint.
For more on the Greek History of the Klismos Chair, click HERE or HERE, or HERE.
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Your chairs are my favorite! Love the paint and fabric combo.
ReplyDeleteYour chairs are beautiful! And thanks for the history, I hadn't really known much about Klismos chairs. xoTrina
ReplyDeleteNice Blog!! We have a wide range of Cheap Dining Furniture which helps you to reset your dining room.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! What color is that fabric? Grass, or biscuit? I love the pairing with the black paint.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous! The colorway is "water/ivory"... like an aqua blue.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback, everyone!
Kelly
Hey Kelly,
ReplyDeleteWater/Ivory, huh? If you have about a yard or so extra, I would consider purchasing it... I have a similar black chair that I'm hoping to reupholster.
Excellent post! I've seen Klismos chairs in so many incarnations and never knew what they were (or realized until now that the various chairs were related). Just came across your blog and already enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous!
ReplyDeleteEmail me! I have some fabric left over that you might want!
highstreetmarket@gmail.com
xx
Kelly
Wow, I just picked up a couple and was reading the history of them about a week ago. Nicely timed post! Love all the selections.
ReplyDeletei LOVE the donghia modern take on the klismos, and would give my left kidney for a set of t.h. robsjohn-gibbings vintage versions.
ReplyDeleteps- saw you on betsy's FB page, so added you to my blog roll...