Oak Scottish Caqueteuse Chair, c.1630

Slender proportions and fine carving resembles similar examples from the Tayside/Perthshire region. This relates strongly to French antecedents, as the style was originally brought over to Scotland in the 16th century by the court of Mary Queen of Scots.
The stylised foliage with a central shell motif, supplemented by acanthus leaves, palmettes and ‘whorl’ flower heads (on the crest) are the classic vocabulary on Scottish chairs of this period. Likewise, the scrolls put down on a plinth and bound together, then flowing out into feathers, are another typical motif. The three fleur de leys are less common but not unprecedented. Finally, the chip carved ‘S’ on the front seat rail is a device seen on much 17th century Scottish woodwork. This chair is probably from an urban workshop, made for a wealthy client by a specialised furniture maker.
Restoration: Top 4” of cresting rail have been re-carved, using period timber. Seat is associated (it is from a 17th century chair but not the original).