Empire Parcel-Gilt Wood & Leather Throne Armchair - Lion-Carved Arm Supports

Design & Inspiration

Place this chair at the head of any room and the room rearranges itself around it. Faithfully reproduced in the tradition of French Empire throne seating, this armchair carries the visual weight of a seat of authority — its dark mahogany-toned frame commanding space while two gilded lion supports rising from the front legs hold the arms with sculptural force. The rear legs are plain sabre legs in the dark wood finish, a characteristic Empire restraint that lets the front carving command full attention. The Empire period (1800–1830) looked to Rome and Egypt for symbols of power, and this chair translates that ambition directly into furniture.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The frame is constructed from Romanian solid redwood, seasoned to below 10% humidity for dimensional stability. It is finished in a deep mahogany tone; the carved lion supports, the carved leaf band along the top rail and the leaf caps on the uprights are gilded by hand over gesso, so the gold reads as accents against the dark polished wood. Lion-form supports are one of the signature motifs of Empire furniture, borrowed from Roman and Egyptian antiquity to project imperial authority. Each lion monopodium — head, chest, and a single paw leg — is hand-carved with mane detail, open jaws and feathered wing panels cascading toward the seat rail. The seat, back panel and arm pads are upholstered in smooth dark brown leather, held in place by a continuous line of brass-toned nailhead trim that traces the seam between the leather and the dark polished wood rails. A removable cushion, carrying a painted lion-portrait, completes the piece.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 62 cm / Depth: 60 cm / Height: 100 cm. The frame is parcel-gilt: the two front legs are fully carved gilded lion monopodia; the two rear legs are plain sabre legs in the dark mahogany finish. Weight: contact us for shipping details. Sold as a single chair.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every element of this throne armchair is produced by hand in Egypt by craftsmen trained in classical European carving and finishing traditions. The carving depth on the lion supports, the layered gesso ground beneath the gilding, and the tight nailhead spacing along the leather seams are all marks of work done slowly and with intention. Brass & Wood produces this chair to order, allowing full customization of leather color and finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this throne armchair made from?

The frame is Romanian solid redwood with a deep mahogany finish. The carved lion supports and decorative leaf bands are gilded by hand over gesso. The upholstery is smooth dark brown leather secured with brass-toned nailhead trim. A removable painted lion-portrait cushion is included.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — typically attaching the legs to the seat frame. Full instructions are provided with each piece.

Can this chair be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization of leather color and wood finish tone. Contact our team to discuss your requirements before placing your order.