Monday, February 4, 2013

Charter Oak Chair

Here is something else I didn't have space to include on earlier tours of the Connecticut State Capitol.

The center chair on the dais of the Senate chamber was made from the wood of the charter oak tree, which fell down in 1857.  The top of each post has an acorn springing from oak leaves, while the posts and arms are entwined with branches of oak with leaves and acorns. An eagle is at the back center.  The state coat of arms is in the shield on the back.

20 comments:

SRQ said...

Beautiful craftsmanship. HDP must utilize a really good archive system to dig this up and have the accompanying information.

Cezar and Léia said...

It's a beautiful artwork in the chairs, they are very elegant and looks very solid, I mean resistent.
hugs
Léia

Kate said...

I maxed the photo but could't make out the symbols on the carved back, but thank you for describing the rest of the chair. That kind of chair just isn't made today; where are our craftsmen? It reminds me of cleric chairs in some churches, too.

Sharon said...

There was some beautiful craftsmanship here.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Gosh that is a marvelous piece of craftsmanship Jack, I like the two on either side but they look kind of 'plain' in comparison..Love the
'pièce de résistance' the eagle on the back of the chair, fabulous!

Sylvia K said...

I do agree with the others -- terrific craftsmanship and I love the detail you've captured in this shot, Jack!! Hope your week is off to a great start!!

VP said...

Excellent craftsmanship, but I guess it is not too comfortable...

cieldequimper said...

Thankfully some still know how to carve nowadays... These are beautiful.

Karl said...

I agree too, excellent work!

Dianne said...

What wonderful detailing Jack ... a very classy chair.

LOLfromPasa said...

I have seen quite a few quite sturdy chairs like these over here in Coventry. Nice collection, Jack.

Mo said...

How is a charter oak different to an ordinary oak?

RedPat said...

Wonderful craftsmanship which is something people don't want to or unable to afford these days!

Anonymous said...

Exquisite workmanship...

Randy said...

Too fancy for me.

Bob Crowe said...

Who would dare sit on it?

Lowell said...

That is very cool and a great piece of art. It doesn't look all that comfortable, though...but art isn't supposed to be comfy, is it?

Unknown said...

Now, that's throne! Fabulous piece of furniture.

CaT said...

are people still allowed to sit on them? the middle one indeed might not be very comfortable!

William Kendall said...

Very intricate craftmanship!