Bow-Back Side Chairs

This chair seems to have had its origins in America during the Federal period of the 1780s. Originally, this windsor was known as a Philadelphia oval back. They were the second side chair introduced in America and along with bow-back armchairs, were very popular. Bow-back windsors are identified by their steam bent bow that terminates with tapered tenons in the seat. The bow encapsulates the spindles, usually seven or nine, and forms the back of the chair. In the armchair, the arms are mortised into the bow. Shield-shaped seats are the norm in bow backs and, while there are some surviving chairs with tapered baluster and ring legs, most chairs have bamboo style turnings characteristic of the Oriental influence in the late 18th century.

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