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Armchair

Manufactured by: Kilian Brothers (1856–about 1920)
about 1870
Object Place: New York, New York

Medium/Technique Walnut, ebonized and gilded sections, modern upholstery incorporating section of older (possibly original) upholstery
Dimensions Overall: 101.6 x 61 x 53.3 cm (40 x 24 x 21 in.)
Credit Line Gift of the Kohn family in loving memory of Harry Kohn, Jr. by Susan G. Kohn, Wendy Kohn and Laurie Kohn
Accession Number2007.433
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsFurnitureSeating and beds
n the highly competitive New York market, Kilian Brothers appealed to consumers who wanted to furnish their parlors with fashionable but moderately priced pieces. Their sales catalogue illustrated dozens of ornamental stands, pedestals, easels, tables, and chairs. These parlor accessories were in what was called a Néo-Grec style, a contemporary French taste for classical forms reinterpreted with contrasting surfaces, gilt details, elaborate hardware, and complex upholstery.

ProvenanceLate 1800s, Adolf and Blanche Weiler, Hartford City, IN; 1929, by inheritance to Harry and Rosina Weiler Kohn; 1984, by inheritance to Susan and Harry Kohn, Jr.; 2007, gift of Susan Kohn to the MFA (Accession date: June 27, 2007)