{"product_id":"antique-carved-oak-monks-bench-chair-table-c1900","title":"Antique Carved Oak Monk’s Bench Metamorphic Chair Table c.1900","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA wonderfully characterful \u003cstrong\u003eantique carved oak monk’s bench dating from circa 1900\u003c\/strong\u003e, ingeniously designed as a metamorphic piece of furniture that transforms from an imposing armchair into a practical circular table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCombining seating, storage and table functions within a single piece, this handsome example reflects the late Victorian and turn-of-the-century revival of earlier Jacobean and vernacular furniture forms. Its substantial proportions, rich oak colour and extensive carved decoration give it considerable presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAntique carved oak monk’s bench\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDating from circa 1900\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMetamorphic chair and table design\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLarge 91cm diameter circular pivoting table top\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDeeply carved scrolling border\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCentral geometric foliate carved motif\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBroad solid oak arms\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTurned baluster supports\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLift-up seat with useful internal storage\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAdditional front drawer with turned wooden handle\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDecorative shaped apron with pendant details\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSubstantial stretchered oak base\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRich naturally aged colour and patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFunctional as a chair, table and storage piece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCraftsmanship \u0026amp; Detail\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe defining feature is the substantial \u003cstrong\u003e91cm diameter circular oak panel\u003c\/strong\u003e. When raised, this forms the impressive back of the chair, framed by a deeply carved scrolling foliate border and centred by a geometric diamond-shaped carved motif. The panel pivots forward on its supports to create a generous circular table top.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe chair beneath is equally well detailed, with broad oak arms supported on turned baluster uprights and a solid seat concealing a useful \u003cstrong\u003elift-up storage compartment\u003c\/strong\u003e. Below this sits a moulded drawer front fitted with a turned wooden handle, providing additional practical storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA shaped lower apron incorporating a series of pendant details gives further architectural character, while the substantial turned legs are united by stretchers to create a strong and visually balanced base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe oak has developed a particularly attractive deep brown colour with lighter areas revealing the grain and carved detail. Rather than being a purely decorative piece, the design remains remarkably practical more than a century after it was made.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMonk’s benches belong to a fascinating tradition of \u003cstrong\u003emetamorphic furniture\u003c\/strong\u003e, in which individual pieces were designed to perform more than one function. Their combination of distinctive appearance, craftsmanship and ingenious construction has made them increasingly popular in period interiors, country houses and eclectic contemporary settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a particularly decorative example whose generous circular top, carved ornament and useful storage allow it to function equally successfully as an antique chair, occasional table or statement piece of furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hawkins Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64238408991097,"sku":null,"price":650.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/6633\/8937\/files\/DSCF7750.jpg?v=1786633606","url":"https:\/\/hawkinsantiques.com\/products\/antique-carved-oak-monks-bench-chair-table-c1900","provider":"Hawkins Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}