An unusual and rare antique 19th century vernacular Irish Sugan rocking chair
Code: 10393
Dimensions:
A very rare antique Irish 19th century painted Sugan rocking chair.
This is an incredibly desirable example with typical through-wedge construction. With a spindle railed backrest over the original traditional woven Sugan panelled seat. The chair incorporates thick legs terminating with gentle rockers ends, which is a design feature rarely seen in this type of chair.
The chair is found in wonderful historic deep green painted finish. In areas of contact glimpses of the underlying orange paint have been revealed. A combination of age related wear and evidence of cracking to the painted surface have helped to create a stunning patina.
There are also two interesting repairs to note which also add to the chair's character. One spindle has at some point been bound with string. The repair was then covered by paint and shows sign of significant age, illustrating this is certainly historic. The second repair is to the base of the back left support, where two metal straps have been fitted. This is also an old fix and shows the "make do and mend" mentality of its original owners.
These wonderful chairs were once a familiar sight across Ireland, with their name coming from the Irish word 'súgán' meaning straw or hemp rope.
This type of rope work was used in the construction of the chair seat. Traditionally they would be made by the man of house, sometimes for children, although often adult size examples like this one were made.
The way the seat was constructed although simple in appearance, is certainly well thought out. Its unique design makes them very hard wearing, as the weight of the sitter pulls the joints of the chair together.
The chair's long life of service is evident in the wear to the painted surface, which has revealed the grain of the timber.
Dimensions:-
Height - 82cm
Width - 46.9cm
Depth - 43cm
Backrest height - 46cm
Seat height - 36cm
Seat depth - 35.5cm
Solid and still useable, with age related wear and tear to the painted finish. Obviously the seat panel is the original rope work which will degrade over time and should be treated will care and respect.
The rope work seat is still intact with no signs of breaks or repair.
Evidence of small areas of historic non active woodworm to the bottom side of the rockers as illustrated , this has been treated for peace of mind.
Historic repairs as stated above.
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