Napoleon III Rococo Revival Marquetry Bergère Armchair - Tall Back with Gilt Brass Mounts

Design & Inspiration

There is a particular quality of light that only mahogany achieves — a deep, reddish warmth that seems to hold the room in a kind of amber. This Napoleon III Rococo Revival bergère armchair draws on that quality entirely. Its tall, barrel-shaped back rises with quiet authority, the high-gloss frame catching the light along its swept contours, while the cream damask upholstery — woven with tonal baroque medallions — holds the eye at the center. A tassel-fringed accent cushion rests at the seat: not a flourish but a deliberate note of texture. The gilt brass mounts — foliate crests at the back rail, acanthus-and-shell cartouches at the apron, and fully modeled figural mounts at the cabriole knee — complete the piece with the confident ornament that defined Napoleon III interiors at their most assured.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The frame is constructed from Romanian solid redwood (<10% humidity), chosen for its density and stability under the demands of a high-gloss lacquer finish. The marquetry panels — inlaid on the side seat rails and the full width of the back exterior — are strung in a geometric rectilinear pattern, a hallmark of the Second Empire cabinetmaker's vocabulary, where flat marquetry served as a foil to the richly modeled brass work. The front legs follow the cabriole form, sweeping outward from the gilded knee mount down to a scroll foot; the rear legs adopt the sabre profile. All gilt brass mounts are cast and chased, not stamped, giving the figural elements — particularly the knee cartouche with its dragon-like acanthus scroll — a depth of relief that distinguishes a handcrafted piece from a production copy.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 80 cm / Depth: 69 cm / Height: 125 cm
The generous seat depth of 69 cm and the tall back height of 125 cm together create the proportions of a true bergère — a chair designed for sustained, comfortable occupation rather than formal, upright posture. The enclosed upholstered sides reinforce that intention. Upholstery: cream damask with tonal baroque pattern, piped seams, removable tassel-fringed accent cushion. Wood: Romanian solid redwood (<10% humidity), high-gloss lacquer finish, mahogany tone. Brass: gilt gold, cast and chased mounts at crest, apron, and cabriole knee.

Handcrafted in Egypt

This bergère is handcrafted in Egypt by Brass & Wood artisans working in the tradition of European classical furniture reproduction. Each frame is individually assembled, the marquetry panels are hand-inlaid, and the brass mounts are fitted and secured by hand. The result is a piece that carries the evidence of its making — slight variations in the marquetry grain alignment, the depth of the brass relief — that distinguish it from factory production. Customization is available: fabric choice, wood tone, and brass finish can be adjusted to commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this chair made from?

The frame is Romanian solid redwood (<10% humidity) with a high-gloss mahogany-tone lacquer finish and hand-inlaid marquetry panels. The upholstery is cream damask fabric with piped seams. The decorative mounts are gilt brass, cast and chased.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — typically attaching the legs to the seat frame. Full instructions are provided. No specialist tools are needed.

Can this chair be customized?

Yes. Fabric color and pattern, wood finish tone, and brass finish can all be adjusted to order. Contact Brass & Wood to discuss your requirements before placing a commission.