Stool - lira - Mahogany

At a low reserve price, we are offering this superb piano stool, made entirely of solid mahogany and dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, firmly in the late Victorian period (Empire Style/Duncan Phyfe Revival).
It spent many years inside a Medici villa on the outskirts of Florence, as part of a wonderfully charming interior.
A rare piece for its features, since similar items never have backrests, whereas this one does: an openwork design decorated with lyre motifs, one of the classic symbols of music. The pedestal base is carved with a rich acanthus-leaf motif. Its most fascinating feature is the large, entirely wooden threaded spindle, common in 19th-century pieces, used to rotate and raise the seat and much sought after compared with later metal versions. The pink velvet upholstery is not original. This exceptionally skillfully crafted piece has undergone sympathetic, careful conservation over the years, never heavy-handed, making it rare on the market, highly dramatic, and much sought after as a statement furnishing piece.

It can easily be used as a chair/stool at its lowest setting (49 cm), with the screw entirely inside the base; when the spindle is raised, however, it moves and creaks.
Once removed from the pedestal, though, the threaded spindle is firmly secured to the crosspiece beneath the seat and remains stable under pressure, thanks to the excellent conservation work it has received.
A piece carved entirely from solid wood, as its weight and stability attest.
Incredible color tones and period craftsmanship and finishes, right down to the tripod base.
The accompanying images are for descriptive purposes. As is our custom, it will be thoroughly protected and shipped to its new home.
Happy bidding, everyone!!