Thonet-style rocking chair, early 20th century

Thonet-style rocking chair, early 20th century
Curved beech wood and cane seat.
In good overall condition, with signs of wear consistent with its age.
Measurements: 96 × 104 × 55 cm.

The complexity of its curved forms and the visual lightness of the structure link this rocking chair to the Viennese tradition of bentwood furniture developed during the second half of the 19th century. The design is constructed using long pieces of bent beech that interconnect the armrests, glides, and supports in a continuous interplay of spirals, while the seat and high wickerback add a sense of transparency to the piece.

The piece follows the technical principles popularized by Michael Thonet, who, in the mid-19th century, perfected the steam-bending of solid beech wood—a process that made it possible to create sturdy, lightweight furniture suitable for mass production. Rocking chairs were also part of the extensive repertoire developed using this technique.