Armstoel van notenhout, ingelegd met quasi oosterse karakters van tin by Carlo Bugatti

Armstoel van notenhout, ingelegd met quasi oosterse karakters van tin c. 1900

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mixed-media, metal, sculpture, wood

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mixed-media

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art-nouveau

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metal

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sculpture

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form

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geometric

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sculpture

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wood

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metal and woodwork

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decorative-art

Dimensions: height 116.5 cm, width 61.0 cm, depth 62.0 cm, weight 15.2 kg

Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain

This armchair was made by Carlo Bugatti, using walnut inlaid with tin, worked to resemble eastern characters. Bugatti was fascinated by Japanese design, which was all the rage at the time. He also incorporated elements from Islamic art, and combined them with Art Nouveau. The wood is not just a structural element here, but a decorative one as well. Notice the tin inlays; they appear to be calligraphy, but aren’t quite legible – more of a pattern than a text. The materials really drive this chair’s appearance. The dark walnut provides a solid, grounding presence, while the lighter leather of the seat and back offers visual contrast. The stylized characters, along with the tassels, give the work a decidedly exotic flavor. Bugatti wasn’t just designing furniture, he was creating an immersive fantasy. By emphasizing making and material, we see how deeply this armchair is embedded in its cultural moment. It bridges the gap between fine art and design, encouraging us to consider the politics of taste and consumption.

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