Napoleon III Rococo Revival High-Back Swivel Office Chair in Ivory Damask

Design & Inspiration

There is a particular kind of authority that comes with sitting in a chair that commands the room before a word is spoken. This high-back swivel office chair, faithfully reproduced in the tradition of the Napoleon III Second Empire period, carries that authority without effort. The tall rectangular back — nearly a metre and a quarter from caster to crown — creates a throne-like presence that redefines what a director's chair can be. The ivory lacquered frame catches light with the quiet confidence of a piece that knows its own lineage.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The frame is hand-carved from solid pine, then finished in a smooth ivory lacquer that gives the piece its characteristic luminosity. The crest rail at the top of the back panel features a hand-carved floral and acanthus motif — the single most telling detail that separates this from a generic office chair. Padded arms with scroll-form terminals wrap forward to meet the generous seat, all upholstered in an ivory self-patterned damask whose woven floral medallions and ribbon swags draw directly from the decorative vocabulary of the Second Empire salon. The five-point swivel base, fitted with smooth-rolling castors, ensures modern functionality sits beneath the historical form without compromise.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 71 cm / Depth: 68 cm / Height: 125 cm. The elevated back height of 125 cm provides full lumbar and upper-back support during extended working sessions, while the generous 71 cm width accommodates the kind of relaxed, authoritative posture the design demands. The five-castor base offers 360° rotation.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every element of this chair is produced by hand in Egypt by craftsmen trained in the traditions of European classical furniture making. The carving at the crest, the lacquer finish, the cut and tensioning of the upholstery — each step is executed individually, making every piece a distinct interpretation of the original design. Brass & Wood sources solid pine for its structural stability and tight grain, ensuring that the carved details hold their definition across decades of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this chair made from?

The frame is hand-carved solid pine finished in ivory lacquer. The upholstery is an ivory self-patterned damask fabric over high-density foam. The base is a five-point swivel mechanism fitted with smooth-rolling castors.

Can this chair be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization of fabric color and pattern, and wood finish tone. Please contact our team to discuss options available for this model.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — the base and seat column attach to the chair body during installation. Full instructions are provided, and the process requires no specialist tools.