Napoleon III Gilded Wood Fauteuil - Hand-Painted Cane Back Cartouche & Olive Green Tufted Velvet

Design & Inspiration

Set a Napoleon III Rococo Revival fauteuil in a room and watch the conversation shift — to the chair. The gilded frame catches whatever light is available and returns it richer, while the hand-painted cartouche-shaped panel at the centre of the woven cane back draws the eye in the way a framed picture does: here is a scene, a pastoral moment, two figures in a garden captured in the fêtes galantes tradition. The olive green capitonnè velvet seat holds the composition below with deep button-tufted discipline. This is the Second Empire (1852–1870) at its most confident — borrowing the Louis XV cabriole form and loading it with every decorative register the era had mastered.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The frame is Romanian solid redwood (below 10% humidity), carved into the flowing cabriole legs with scroll feet, serpentine arms, and densely worked Rococo Revival cresting that defines the silhouette. Over the carving, an antiqued gold finish has been applied and hand-rubbed to give the gilding the warm, slightly uneven character of period work rather than the flat uniformity of machine production. The back panel is woven cane set into the gilded frame, with the cartouche-shaped painted panel inset at the centre — a technique that frames the pastoral scene as if it were a miniature canvas. The seat is upholstered in olive green velvet using the capitonnè (button-tufted) technique, each diamond pulled tight and consistent. The arm pads are covered in matching olive green velvet. A twisted silk cord trims the apron, and the rectangular lumbar cushion is dressed with tassel fringe and bead-pin trim.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 63 cm / Depth: 58 cm / Height: 85 cm
Wood species: Romanian Solid Redwood (<10% Humidity)
Finish: Antiqued gold, hand-rubbed
Upholstery: Olive green velvet, button-tufted capitonnè seat; cane back with hand-painted cartouche panel
Cushion: Rectangular lumbar cushion with tassel fringe and bead-pin trim, removable
Legs: 4 carved cabriole legs with scroll feet
Origin: Handcrafted in Egypt

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every element of this fauteuil is produced in Brass & Wood's Egyptian workshop, where craftsmen trained in classical European joinery and upholstery techniques work from documented Second Empire references. The carving is done by hand, the gilding applied and rubbed by hand, the cane woven by hand, and the capitonnè stitching executed by hand. Romania supplies the seasoned solid redwood; Egypt supplies the craft. The result is a piece that honours the Second Empire tradition without pretending to be a period artefact — it is a faithful reproduction, made with honesty and skill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this fauteuil made from?

The frame is Romanian solid redwood with an antiqued gold hand-rubbed finish. The seat is upholstered in olive green velvet in the button-tufted capitonnè technique and the arm pads are covered in matching velvet; the back is woven cane around a hand-painted cartouche-shaped panel. The rectangular lumbar cushion is trimmed with tassel fringe and bead-pin detail.

Is assembly required?

No assembly is required. The fauteuil arrives fully constructed and ready to place.

Can this fauteuil be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization in fabric colour, velvet grade, and finish tone. Contact us before ordering to discuss your requirements.