Stoel met gebeeldhouwde vogel- en hondenkoppen 1907

This 'Stoel met gebeeldhouwde vogel- en hondenkoppen' or Chair with Sculpted Bird and Dog Heads, was made of wood by Jan Frederik Staal sometime in the early 20th century. Isn’t it funny how the most functional objects are often the most revealing? This chair is pretty buttoned-down, with its straight lines and muted colour. But then you notice the carved dog and bird heads. What’s that about? The wood has a lovely, smooth feel, yet the visible joins show how it was constructed. It’s solid but the little wheels on the feet keep it from being too heavy. And that upholstery? It is sort of granny chic with its dark red pin dots on a mossy green ground. The longer I look, the more the chair reminds me of a drawing by Josef Hoffmann, who also knew that utility doesn't have to mean boring. The contrast makes it.