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Armchair

1907–9
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 744
Best known for their work on bungalows in southern California, the architect-designers Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene were given free reign to design the architecture, integrated furnishing, and interiors for their wealthy clients. They developed a distinctive style that utilized tenets of Japanese design mixed with the Arts and Crafts movement. This armchair was produced for the dining room of the house they designed for Robert R. Blacker. Located in Pasadena, the house survives, but not in its original condition, which featured a unified interior with woodwork, lighting, and furniture designed en suite. Made by Peter and John Hall's Workshop (also in Pasadena), the tall-back armchair featured expensive woods, intricate carving, and delicate inlay of silver, copper, and mother-of-pearl. Japanese influences are manifested in the silhouette, the inlaid wood, and the decorative details, including the brackets and pegs. Greene and Greene achieved a high level of quality in the craftsmanship of their designs.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Armchair
  • Maker: Greene and Greene (1894–1916)
  • Date: 1907–9
  • Geography: Made in Pasadena, California, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Honduras mahogany, ebony, fruitwood, silver, copper, and mother-of-pearl
  • Dimensions: 42 x 24 3/4 x 18 in. (106.7 x 62.9 x 45.7 cm)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 1992
  • Object Number: 1992.127
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

More Artwork

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Side chair from the Robert R. Blacker House
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 1907—08
Chandelier, Greene and Greene, Mahogany, ebony, and leaded glass, American
Chandelier
Multiple artists/makers
1907–9
Library Table, Greene and Greene, Mahogany, ebony, oak, burl walnut, silver, copper, American
Library Table
Multiple artists/makers
1907–9
Plain-twined bowl, Willow shoot foundation, sedge root weft, and redbud shoot weft, Pomo artist (Northern California)
Plain-twined bowl
Pomo artist (Northern California)
ca. 1915
Lantern, Dirk Van Erp American, Patinated copper, American
Lantern
Dirk Van Erp
ca. 1920

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