Rustic French Lounge Chair with Tall Back in Oak and Rush

Lounge or side chair, beech, rush, France, 1950s

This rustic chair from France shows a silhouette that is at once familiar and peculiar. Clearly rooted in the traditions of vernacular design, yet with modern tendencies. The most striking feature is the vertical slat backrest, composed of undulating, slightly irregular wooden strips. These slats are not perfectly straight, but gently serpentine, introducing a sense of movement to what is otherwise a rigid, upright form. The structure of the chairs is essentially a “X-frame” base. This crossed-leg configuration adds a dynamic diagonal thrust to the otherwise vertical logic of the design. The armrests are linear and unembellished, resting lightly on angular supports that continue the rhythm of the slats below. There is a noticeable tension between the hand-crafted irregularity of the wood and the geometric clarity of the composition as a whole. The woven rush seat further anchors the piece in its rural context, invoking a tactile, organic quality that complements the wood’s natural look and visible grain. The backrest can be adjusted in various angles.

Kindly note that this piece is in good, used condition with signs of wear and use common for a piece this age.