Armstoel van ebbenhout, ingelegd met ivoor en versierd met Nereïden, bloemen en vogels, armleggers worden gestut door figuur van een Europese soldaat, rug met ovaal wapen: Child c. 1690 - 1700

This imposing armchair is made of ebony, inlaid with ivory, and was created by an anonymous maker. Notice how the dark, dense ebony is set off by the delicate, creamy ivory inlays. The chair's frame is intricately carved with Nereids, flowers, and birds, and the armrests are supported by figures of European soldiers. Ebony is a prized material, historically sourced from Africa and Asia. Its density makes it ideal for carving, but it is also associated with colonial trade and extraction. The ivory, too, would have been a luxury commodity. The skilled artisan who made this chair was likely working for a wealthy patron, who would have been eager to display their global reach and refined taste. Consider the amount of labor involved in creating this chair, from the harvesting of the materials to the intricate carving and inlay work. This piece challenges the traditional distinction between fine art and craft, reminding us that all objects are the product of specific materials, making processes, and social contexts.