BEST American Folk Art Painted 19th Century Hoop Skirt Rocker Chair New England

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BEST American Folk Art Painted 19th Century Hoop Skirt Rocker Chair New England:
$2999.00

Unique 19th Century

American Antique

Hoop Skirt Rocker

With Great Paint

AMERICAN FOLK ART AT ITS BEST

DESCRIPTION:Truly aunique piece of antique American furniture. Painted black all over, then coveredwith dozens of exquisite, detailed, hand-painted figures including angels, human figures, insects, horses, dogs, ships, etc, in a gold decorated matrix. This one belongs in a museum. Classic design that allowed women wearing hoop-skirts to sit comfortably without the arms of the chair interfering with their dress. Probably New England in origin, first half of the 19th century. Wood peg construction. Seat height 15\", seat is 19\" across the front, 14 1/2\" across back, and 13 1/2\" deep; back stiles 41 5/8\" high, rockers 24 1/2\" long, front stretcher 17\", slats are 11 5/8\" across.

Most interesting of the miniature paintings is that of aship battle rendered on the bottom slat.One ship flying a red and white Flag isfiring on a ship flying what looks like the Liberian Flag, but it could be a stylized version of an American Flag. In that case it could be illustrating a battle that took place in the American Revolution or the War of 1812. Liberia was a country first colonized by repatriated African Americans in the first half of the 19th century, hence the Flags similar design to the American Flag. The Flag illustrated on this chair came into existenceon April 26,1847, replacing a similar Flag with a cross in the middle (The American Flag itself had been flown in Liberia from 1837-1845). I\'m hoping historians can shed some light on this as I have not been able to find a parallel example.

CONDITION: Please see photographs. Overall in excellent condition. Structurally sound with no loose joints. Old repair to one of the leg-rocker joints. Seat is firm. Original painted surface with wear to painted figures and other decoration. I see no evidence that this chair was ever altered. Completely period.

NOTE:I have enthusiastically collected antiques as a hobby for over 25 years now and this is the most striking and unique chair I have evercome across at an estate sale. In my research I have not seen another hoop skirt rocker that comes close to this one.

I will be glad to answer any questions you may have, and guarantee that it is exactly as I have described it or you will issued a full refund. Other photographs are available upon request (There are numerous painted figures that I can\'t post due to the 12 pic limit.)