A Pair of 19th Century Colonial Armchairs

A pair of early 19th century Colonial rattan open armchairs, the backs with turned decoration, the swept arms terminating in sabre legs.

Prior to the rise of European settlements in India there was little need for furniture, as portable rugs and textiles were employed to sit on or dine at. Once the Portuguese (the first of the European immigrants), the Dutch and the English established an existence in India, they imported furniture and styles were soon copied to be manufactured on site. With the growth of the British power in India in the 18th century, British designs became increasingly influential. At this, late Georgian, Regency and Victorian styles were favoured.