A large-scaled and elegantly designed French 1940s Klismos chair with deep incurved back with scrolled terminals; above a leather seat of criss-crossing straps all raised on dramatic splayed supports; purchased in Paris in 1993 (receipt attached); good vintage condition with sturdy frame and seat; some wear to painted surface; later leather strapwork
signed on bottom 'Giovanni Mollica'; in 1842, Giovanni founded his ceramic workshop in Naples, Italy. His sons Ciro, Achille and Alexander took over the family business, continuing it until the end of the 19th century; excellent condition with only minor overall wear to surface; a truly spectacular piece