Description/    

These two chairs, identical in shape, feature a perforated back reminiscent of the works the Far East, particularly Chinese or Japanese. The two backs are also adorned with inlaid mother of pearl elements forming different patterns: flowered branches inhabited by birds, interlacing or abstract patterns. The vertical mounts of the backs are also decorated with inlaid mother of pearl. The seat adopts a straight profile that contrasts the exuberance of the back and middle. This is also perforated and decorated with mother of pearl inlay. The two front legs have slightly curved and clawed feet, giving them a natural character. The non-perforated wooden elements are engraved with scrolls, like on the upper part of the feet or on the posts of the backs.
 
GABRIEL VIARDOT (January 1, 1830 -1906) :
(Attributed to)
These chairs, in their shapes and production technique, are very similar to the pair of armchairs conserved in the Museum of Decorative Arts (inv. 2006.105.1.1) and attributed to Gabriel Viardot, famous cabinetmaker from the last third of the 19th century. These armchairs display the same latticed backings, lined with mother of pearl inlay; a similarly made middle and curved clawed feet. These armchairs are dated from around 1880, which leads us to similarly date our two chairs.