Items Similar to George J. Hunzinger American Aesthetic Movement Side Chair, Circa 1880–1895
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16
George J. Hunzinger American Aesthetic Movement Side Chair, Circa 1880–1895
$3,800
£2,885.78
€3,315.21
CA$5,357.10
A$5,695.71
CHF 3,080.07
MX$67,752.19
NOK 38,582.22
SEK 35,237.05
DKK 24,765.78
About the Item
George J. Hunzinger American Aesthetic Movement Side Chair, Circa 1880–1895
Dimensions: 33" H × 16" W × 18" D
Seat Height: 16"
This rare and sculpturally articulated American side chair is by George J. Hunzinger (1835–1898), one of the most original and technically innovative furniture designers working in the United States during the late 19th century. Executed circa 1880–1895, the chair exemplifies Hunzinger’s patented fusion of structural rationalism, ornamental turning, and steam-bent construction, placing it firmly within the Aesthetic Movement and the early American Arts
Crafts ethos.
The chair is constructed of finely finished turned and steam-bent hardwood, likely walnut or stained maple, organized into a rhythmic framework of segmented ring-turned members—a signature Hunzinger motif—used throughout the legs, rails, uprights, and stretchers. The form is defined by gracefully arched crest and back rails, joined by turned vertical spindles and punctuated with spherical bosses and finials at key junctions. These rounded bosses function both structurally and ornamentally, another hallmark of Hunzinger’s distinctive design vocabulary.
The back displays a complex yet disciplined architectural composition, with layered curving rails and a central horizontal slat adorned with applied turned bosses. This interplay of arcs, verticals, and spheres creates a spring-like visual rhythm characteristic of Hunzinger’s belief that ornament should emerge organically from structure—a philosophy articulated in his numerous U.S. furniture patents.
The seat retains its original or early woven leather or rawhide lattice, stretched over a turned hardwood frame. This resilient lattice construction, seen repeatedly on documented Hunzinger chairs, rockers, and lounging forms of the 1870s–90s, reflects his interest in hygienic, ventilated, and ergonomically responsive seating long before the advent of modern upholstery systems.
The rear legs curve subtly into a sledge-foot profile, lending both stability and a sculptural silhouette, while the lower stretcher system reinforces the frame and echoes the same segmented turning used throughout the design.
Although unmarked—as is typical for Hunzinger furniture—the attribution is academically well supported by the presence of:
• Segmented ring turning across all major structural members
• Steam-bent arched rails
• Spherical bosses at joints
• Leather/rawhide lattice seat construction
• Structural-ornamental integration consistent with Hunzinger’s patented designs
Closely related examples of Hunzinger chairs and rockers are held in major museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Smithsonian Institution.
Born in Germany and active in New York, George J. Hunzinger held over twenty U.S. furniture patents between the 1860s and 1890s. He rejected Victorian historicism in favor of expressive joinery, mechanical ingenuity, and honest construction—principles that anticipate the later philosophies of Gustav Stickley and even early modernist designers.
This chair stands as a rare surviving example of American proto-modern design, uniting sculptural presence, technical experimentation, and functional elegance.
Condition:
Very good antique condition. Tight and structurally sound. Minor surface wear, patina, and age-appropriate abrasions consistent with use. The leather lattice seat is intact with expected age toning and minor irregularities.
- Creator:George Hunzinger (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 33 in (83.82 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)Seat Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Style:Aesthetic Movement (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1880-1895
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: T36991stDibs: LU2592348396442
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1996
1stDibs seller since 2017
1,491 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Atlanta, GA
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllGood Single English Mahogany Hall Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A good single English mahogany hall chair of solid walnut with finely detailed scroll work.
Category
Antique 19th Century English Chairs
Materials
Walnut
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
French Modern Bamboo
Woven Saddle Leather Armchair, Circa 1960s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French modern bamboo & woven saddle leather armchair,
France, Circa 1960s
A unique beautiful model, well cared for this chair retains the original woven...
Category
20th Century French Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Bamboo
$1,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Neoclassical Klismos Chairs with Caned Seats and Leather Cushions
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Neoclassical Klismos Chairs with Caned Seats and Leather Cushions
Late 20th Century
This elegant pair of Neoclassical klismos-inspired chairs exemplifies the enduring appeal...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
French Modern Armchair with Rope Detail
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French modern armchair with rope detail, with spindle backrest, 28" high arms, upholstered seat, raised on four tapering legs bound with rope.
Category
20th Century French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Rope, Oak
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Modern English Mahogany and Leather Captains Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Modern English mahogany and leather captains chair, of typical form with subtle details, custom calfskin leather upholstery.
Provenance: Acquir...
Category
20th Century English Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Set Six Sleek French Modern Cantilever Woven Cane Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Six Sleek French Modern Cantilever Woven Cane Dining Chairs
France, circa 1950s
A set of six elegant French Modern cantilever-woven cane dining chai...
Category
20th Century French Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Cane, Wood
$3,840 Sale Price / set
20% Off
You May Also Like
Early 20th Century American Victorian Cane Seat Low Side Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th century American Victorian Cane Seat Side Chair. Newer caning and good condition. Measures 18" in width, 22" in depth, and stands 30.75" tall. The seat height is 17.
Category
Early 20th Century American Victorian Side Chairs
Materials
Cane, Hardwood
Chair Henri II Style 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Nice chair of Henri II style dating from the 19th century. It has a straight base connected by a strut. Its seat is in cane. Its back is completely carved with architectural motifs m...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Chairs
Materials
Wood
$333 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Belle Époque Wooden Chair, 1900s Austria
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very nice chair.
Category
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Belle Époque Side Chairs
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Aesthetic Movement Thebes Corner Chair by Liberty
Co
By Liberty
Co.
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement rare ‘Thebes’ walnut corner chair
Red velvet seat
By Liberty & Co
Circa 1885.
Category
Antique 1870s English Aesthetic Movement Corner Chairs
Materials
Walnut
High-Back Aesthetic Movement Chair
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Shipping Note:
If your region or country is not listed under the shipping options, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Important Care Information:
When purchasing a ch...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Aesthetic Movement Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
High Armchair in the Manner of Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, Belgium, c. 1900
By Gustave Serrurier-Bovy
Located in New York, NY
This carved wood armchair features a tall backrest with dynamically curving chair rail and armrests.
Category
Antique Early 1900s Belgian Art Nouveau Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
