19th Century American Empire Carved Dragon Armchair with Original Red Velvet Upholstery

A truly remarkable and exceptionally imposing antique 19th-century American Empire armchair, featuring magnificent hand-carved dragons, richly figured flame mahogany, and its original red velvet upholstery.

This extraordinary oversized chair is a wonderful example of the bold, dramatic furniture designs associated with the American Empire period. Its commanding proportions, elaborate carving, and substantial construction give it an unmistakable presence, making it a magnificent statement piece for any interior.

The most striking feature is undoubtedly the pair of intricately hand-carved dragons adorning the chair's back. Their wonderfully expressive forms frame a beautifully figured flame mahogany back panel, where the rich grain and warm aged patina provide a stunning contrast to the elaborate carvings.

Long, gracefully curved wooden arms extend forward from the backrest, connecting to substantial turned and channeled column-style front legs. These architectural details enhance the chair's impressive silhouette and reflect the bold decorative character of Empire-style furniture.

Remarkably, the chair retains its original sprung seat and red velvet upholstery, finished with decorative brocade trim. Although the velvet and trim have naturally aged and faded over generations, they remain in remarkably good condition for their age. The seat is still strong and comfortable, preserving an important part of the chair's history and authenticity.

The beautifully aged mahogany displays a wonderful natural patina, with marks, wear, and imperfections that speak to its considerable age. There is some splitting to the carved dragons and the left side panel, as detailed in the Condition section, but the chair remains exceptionally solid, sturdy, and substantial.

Whether placed in a traditional library, gentleman's study, grand hallway, or formal sitting room, this extraordinary armchair is certain to attract attention and conversation.

A rare and characterful survivor of 19th-century American furniture craftsmanship, combining dramatic carved decoration, beautiful flame mahogany, and the remarkable survival of its original upholstery.

 

Condition

Good antique condition, with the chair remaining exceptionally solid, sturdy, and very heavy.

The carved mahogany frame displays a wonderful aged patina, with surface wear, marks, scratches, and imperfections consistent with its considerable age and use.

There is visible age-related splitting to the hand-carved dragons and the left side panel. These imperfections are part of the chair's history and should be carefully considered when reviewing the photographs.

The original sprung seat remains strong and comfortable. The original red velvet upholstery and decorative brocade trim show fading, wear, and age-related deterioration, but remain in remarkably good condition considering their age.

The beautifully figured flame mahogany back panel retains its rich grain and attractive aged appearance.

Overall, an impressive and substantial antique chair with wonderful original character and age-appropriate imperfections.

Please review all photographs carefully, paying particular attention to the splitting in the carved dragons and left side panel, as they form an important part of the description. Additional photographs are always available upon request.

Please note: Decorative accessories and styling items shown in the photographs are intended solely to help illustrate the scale and presentation of the piece and are not included unless specifically mentioned in the description.

 

Dimensions

• Overall Width (at Front Feet): 29 1/4"

• Overall Depth: 28 1/2"

• Overall Back Height: 41 1/4"

• Seat Height: 18 1/2"

• Arm Height: 30 1/2"

• Inside Seat Width: 22 1/2"

• Seat Depth: 24"

 

Specifications

• Item #: GY2157

• Period: 19th Century

• Style: American Empire

• Origin: United States

• Material: Carved Mahogany

• Back Panel: Figured Flame Mahogany

• Form: Oversized Upholstered Armchair

• Decoration: Hand-Carved Dragons

• Arms: Long Curved Wooden Arms

• Front Legs: Turned & Channeled Column Design

• Seat: Original Sprung Seat

• Upholstery: Original Red Velvet with Brocade Trim

 

Features

• Dramatic carved dragon decoration makes this an exceptional statement chair

• Original sprung seat and aged velvet upholstery preserve its historic character

• Generously proportioned seating with substantial, supportive wooden arms

• A magnificent focal point for a traditional library, study, formal sitting room, or collection of American Empire furniture

 

Buy With Confidence

We understand that purchasing an important antique online can be a significant decision. If you would like a closer look before purchasing, we are happy to arrange a live video call and walk you through this extraordinary American Empire armchair in real time.

During the call, we can show the intricate dragon carvings, beautiful flame mahogany back panel, original velvet upholstery, sprung seat, and areas of age-related wear and splitting, including the carved dragons and left side panel.

We can also demonstrate the chair's overall condition and answer any questions you may have before making your decision.

Please contact us to arrange a convenient time.

 

Shipping & In-Store Pickup Information

Furniture Delivery is available within the contiguous United States, with the applicable delivery charge calculated automatically at checkout based on the delivery destination.

Because furniture delivery costs are largely determined by distance, combining multiple furniture pieces for delivery to the same address can offer significant savings.

Free in-store pickup is also available from our Cary, North Carolina showroom. Simply choose "Pick Up" during checkout.