Set of 6 Italian Style Arm Chairs, sold as Pairs.

Set of 6 Italian Style Arm Chairs, sold as Pairs.

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Directory: Vintage Arts:Furnishings:Furniture:Continental: Pre 1980: Item # 594561

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Lifestyle Antiques
2264 Lillie Avenue
Santa Barbara, CA 93067
805-969-5474

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$2,450. for the Pair

Set of 6 Italian Style Arm Chairs, sold as Pairs.

Exceptional set of 6 Italian Style Arm Chairs in total, sold as Pairs. The stylized Griffin carvings and gilt are an elegant contrast with the newly upholstered leather seats. H:34" Seat H:9" W:22" Seat D:19" The Griffin is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. As the lion was considered the "King of the Beasts" and the eagle the "King of the Air", the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. The griffin is generally represented with four legs, wings and a beak, with eagle-like talons in place of a lion's forelegs and feathered, equine-like ears jutting from its skull. Some traditions say that only female griffins have wings. Classical and heraldic griffins are male and female. A "male" griffin, is called a keythong. Heraldic griffin (or gryphon) has the hind parts (including legs and tail) of a lion, the upper parts (including feathered neck, wings, claws, and head with beak) of an eagle and also ears. It is the ears which distinguish the griffin's head from an eagle's head in heraldry, which is important because, as well as the full griffin, the griffin's head is also often found in heraldry and would otherwise be identical to the head of the eagle. A griffin borne in arms signifies that the first to bear it was a strong pugnacious man in whom were found two distinct natures and qualities, those of the eagle and the lion”. Since the lion and the eagle were both important charges in heraldry, it is perhaps not surprising that their hybrid, the griffin, was also a frequent choice. The symbolism of the the griffin represents wisdom joined to fortitude, but wisdom should lead, and fortitude follow, as history would perceive the griffin. Heraldic griffins are usually shown rearing up, facing left, and standing on one hind leg with the other leg and the claws raised: this posture is described in the Norman-French language of heraldry as "segreant", a word uniquely applied to griffins. A heraldic griffin was included as one of the ten Queen's Beasts sculpted for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 (following the model of the King’s Beasts at Hampton Court) and this is now on display at Kew Gardens. The Italian embrassed the Motif and was also used in their architecture and in furniture design. Located in the heart of Summerland, California, Lifestyle Antiques & Interiors offers the finest high-end Antiques, Decorative Arts, and Home Furnishings on the South Coast. We feature a rich collection from Europe, specializing in Italian Furniture, French and Spanish. The elegant collection varies from antique and Murano lamps, decorative pillows, Chandeliers, Mirrors and a fine selection of home furnishings. Just 3 minutes south of Santa Barbara. For your convenience you may shop on line: www.lifestyleantiques.com .