Striped Napoleon III Toad Chair

France, 19th Century

$995

Antique Upholstery Sylvie Favorite

The French call this a crapaud, a toad, for the way it sits low and round and hunched close to the floor. Found outside Lyon, this small Napoleon III armchair is deeply upholstered over a curved back and dressed in a green-and-cream striped ticking with a pleated skirt that runs to the floor. The crapaud appeared under Napoleon III in the mid-1800s, built low and soft for sinking into by the fire, and its squat, comfortable shape has kept it in fashion ever since. Sylvie would set it by a fireplace or in a bedroom corner, a reading chair you drop into and do not want to leave. Two identical chairs are available, each sold separately, and the matching ottoman is sold separately as well.

Minor variations from the images may occur unless otherwise noted. All sales are final.

Age:: 19th Century
Country of Origin:: France
Material:: Wood with silk upholstery
Dimensions:: 30.5" H x 23.25" W x 26.0" D; Seat height: 14.75"

Notes from Sylvie:

Dear collector, as with many antiques, this piece may show signs of its age, including subtle repairs, a bit of movement, cracks, scratches, small holes, and surface variation from years of use. The silk upholstery is in very good condition, with just a couple of faint stains and a few loose threads. Two are available, each with slight variations in wear that add to their individual charm.

All items are final sale.