I search online vintage markets almost daily in pursuit of that special find that I know is just waiting for me to spot it. Most often, there isn’t much that catches my attention longer than a quick look. Though I bookmark things and contemplate others, sometimes there is something that knocks my socks off instantly. Like a set of antique French chairs with the most delicious Aubusson upholstery.
Now, ‘delicious’ could be one of those descriptions that are interpreted differently by others. I find well loved patina to be just that- delicious. Others may find them too damaged. But these? Oh. My. While I love the frames and the details- I fell in love with the florals and scrolls and well loved patina of that Aubusson upholstery.
The Details
I saw the listing on marketplace and knew the set was insanely fabulous the instant I saw it. The price? Well that left a lot to be desired. But, I bookmarked it and couldn’t stop keeping an eye on it to see if the seller dropped the price. Eventually, they did. But nowhere near enough. I watched them a bit longer.
Then one day, the seller removed the listing and I thought they sold. My heart sank a bit but I also knew that the price was just too much so I had to be okay with missing out on them. But then, a couple days later, I saw them pop up again in a new listing. French Antique 4 chairs (2 side and 2 arm chairs) and a settee. All upholstered in French floral Aubusson fabric. Not needlepoint like the other chairs I have which I do love- but Aubusson is similar but woven like a rug or pillow fabric. I knew from looking at the listing that they had a lot of wear but I also knew they were fabulous. And I took it as a sign that they popped back up and decided why not message and see if they would be interested in an offer. They said sure.
We made a plan to go take a look at them and when we got there, they definitely were in a bit more rough shape than the photos showed. For example, the backs. There were no photos of the backs- but the listing said that 3 of the chairs were 100% while 2 needed some tinkering and I was fine with that. There was some damage to the back fabric on a couple of them-but the back fabric is the original silk fabric with all the lovely patina of old silk and so, it didn’t slow me down on loading them up. The Aubusson fabric on the seats and fronts of the chair were quite threadbare and worn- and also- so insanely beautiful. I was styling these beauties before I even said a word. We offered a little less and he was as happy to move them on out of his storage unit as I was to be bringing them home.
Things to Know
Age: Likely the early 1900’s-1940’s because of the tack upholstery but that could have been added at a later time as well so I honestly don’t know.
Fabric: It appears to be a silk Aubusson and it is delicious.
Threadbare: That does not bother me at all. In fact, I absolutely love it. I love seeing all the lives these chairs have lived and can imagine the beauty and grace they have brought to so many rooms over the years.
Frame damage: There are 2 chairs missing a piece of their ornamental frame- but this also does not bother me personally.
Something Fun: I recently got my friend Sharon Santoni new book about antiquing in France. And as I looked through the pages, I was so surprised to see chairs so similar to these- right down to the threadbare fabric. I bought mine in the wine country of California but finding a photo of such similar chairs in France- made me smile.
Love them or Leave them
What do you think of these? What would you have paid given the condition? The original asking price on the set was $1500. We purchased the set for a third of the original price. I think it was a bargain price for such storied beauty and am so in love with them.
you should employ me to go find you beautiful Vintage works of art like this chair. I bought a similar pattern straight out of college. I had no idea about Vintage at thr time. I only knew it was beautiful.
Stunningly beautiful, they make my heart sing!
Oh, Courtney!
What a fabulous deal you got! 😊 Yes, “delicious” is, most certainly, the word for these.
Hugs,
Debbie
Im in luv WITH them too!
They were gorgeous in their day and still pretty to be thread bare. Aubusson is very expensive. I can’t believe the asking price but I reckon in your area that’s the selling price.
Score!!!
Another amazing find! They are so Beautiful! That fabric is so stunning! And what a steal of a price! Go Courtney!!!
They are beautiful just as they are. The colors in the fabric are so, so pretty and love the frames. You definitely found a treasure for a bargain!
You are right, delicious! The French have always known how to do just the right amount of beauty and elegance. The faded, worn fabric is even nicer than crisp, bright colors. Great find and worth the wait, at that price.
Absolutely gorgeous. WOW that’s a steal of a deal. i love the patina.
BEAUTIFUL ! 😍 at a bargain price!
Wow! What a deal you got them for. Well done. they are absoutel beautiful!!
What a find. And once again, persistence pays off! I, too, am thorough enjoying shaton santoni’s new book. What a delightful (and educcational) book. Can’t wait to go back to France. Why don’t you organize a group of Patina fans and let’s go!
That would be so fun!
Oh my gosh what a fabulous find. I’m always a bit green with envy because you find such wonderful treasures. I live in on Cape Cod and things here are pretty much mundane and boring. The set is so lovely and wow what a great price. Enjoy!