Chair
Lars Kinsarvik
Norway c. 1900
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Chair Lars Kinsarvik Norway c. 1900 |
| This is ‘Celtic’ style throne-like chair made of softwood. It elaborately yet boldly carved with a queen’s head and two knights. Kinsarvik is said to have created many examples of ‘dragon style’ furniture. Indeed much of his work can still be seen used functionally around Norway itself. The patterns are typically Norwegian. He uses a very popular motif in his furniture –that of intertwining vines. ‘Karveskurd’ is the name given to this kind of geometrically symmetrical carving. Historically Norwegian furniture is intended to be a statement of status rather than one of comfort of convenience. Thrones like this were used so that the seated speaker is heard above the rest of the gathering and respected. As such these chairs are symbols that highlight religious or power hierarchies. |  |