Last Updated on September 17, 2022
The back of the sedan chair varies depending on whether the piece is from the Savoy or Piedmont styles. Both styles feature curved backs and a shaped roof, and they were designed to look like French carriages from the early eighteenth century. This style of carving dates back to the seventeenty-first century, but sedan chairs were made using similar techniques throughout the rest of the nineteenth century.
valance to the seat
The valance to the seat of a luxury sedan chair may have been added at some point during its life. Its original valance covered the void under the seat and was usually covered by a contrasting textile. Its valance has remained a standard feature of luxury sedans for over two centuries. The valance on this chair would have been approximately 22 inches wide, a standard width for handloomed fabrics.
Brass studs on the roof
The curved timber roof of a sedan chair is adorned with large brass studs. The front and side panels are painted green while the back panel is made of plain timber. The interior of the sedan chair is upholstered in silk with padded arm rests. It has a carved wooden central finial and is crowned with a triangular brass stud. The poles on three of the four sides are replicas.
The exterior of the sedan chair is black leather, with three windows set in movable wooden frames. Around the windows, there are brass round-headed studs in decorative patterns. The studs form a girdle that encircles the chair half-way up. They are arranged in groups of six to nine. The curved wooden frames around the windows are carved with a pattern reminiscent of that of a regency. Oil gilding has been restored by the Museum.
Iron loop on the roof
The iron loop on the roof of a sedan chair dates to the 1720s. Its curved roof and curved backs are typical of this type of chair. The back is decorated with horns, flowering baskets, and a coat of arms. Its roof is made from leather and pierced with six windows. Inside, there are two single seats that face each other and are upholstered in fabric. The central finial is made from carved wood.
The rococo sedan chair was a dangerous vehicle. The drivers screamed warnings to pedestrians who crossed the street, and there were many cases of accidents and broken windows. In Bath, chairmen had the right of way, so pedestrians were aware to flatten themselves against walls or railings when they heard, “by your leave.”
The design was originally intended to provide a comfortable seating space for a single person. The sedan chair was a windowed cabin carried by two porters. The poles on the sides of the chair supported the occupant. The front poleman positioned the chair so that the back view was presented. The poles imparted a slight bounce to the ride. The poles were removable when not in use, which allowed the chair to be raised higher for better access to exits.
Central finial
The shape of a sedan chair is reminiscent of an equestrian carriage. The style of carving dates back to the 1720s. The shape of a sedan chair supports the attribution of the sedan to the north Italian region. The central finial, or escutcheon, is carved wood and triangular in section. This finial is missing in the original example. The shape and size of a sedan chair are important characteristics of this style.
A typical Westminster style Sedan Chair has four carved figures, each holding a sedan chair. These figures are mounted on a rectangular wooden base, painted in a light sandy hue. The figures are joined to the base and to the roof by four horizontally-oriented poles. The sedan chair has an enclosed panel with a flat roof and a red finial, framed by vertical flaps carved with a crosshatched pattern. The top panel of the sedan chair has a figure in the middle holding a parasol. The figures and rolled flaps are attached to the roof using steel wire.
The interior of the Sedan Chair has a door mounted on concealed hinges with a hook on the top to secure the door. The upholstery is a modern red and white stripe silk. The back panel is topped with a gilt panel surmounted by the initials of the owner. The japanned leather is in good condition, although some areas are fragile. The windows may be later replacements. There is some fading in the upholstery.
Leather interior
If you are looking for a new leather upholstery for your sedan chair, then you may want to read our articles on the subject. We’ve covered the history of the sedan chair as well as how to create a leather interior for it. These articles are written by expert conservators. They have experience with the conservation of furniture, objects, paintings, and textiles, so you’re sure to get an in-depth and detailed explanation.
First, you will need to treat the original fabric of your sedan chair with a treatment that will stabilize the fabric. It’s better to restore the original fabric than to completely replace it with a new material. The original fabric will be stabled first, so you will have to do some surface cleaning. You’ll also need to use support materials if the silk damask is brittle. Then, you can clean the front of the seat with mineral spirits.
Cost of a sedan chair
A sedan chair was a type of carriage used by wealthy city residents and was usually painted to match the interior decor of the house. The drivers were required to have a license and a numbered seat. In 1738, 300 permits were issued in London for sedan chairs. A single trip within the city cost six pence, and a day’s rental cost four shillings. Sedan chairs were also more ornately decorated than the standard men’s carriages.
Before the advent of the motor car, the price of a private sedan chair was as low as PS60 (about PS4,000 today). The cost of a hackney chair was even cheaper – around PS2 a week. And this didn’t even include the men’s wages. In 1793, Horace Walpole wrote a poem about sedan bearers and the cost of a sedan chair. The author also wrote an essay on sedan chairs in 1791.
In the 19th century, a sedan chair was the sole means of public conveyance in Hong Kong, filling the role of a cab. Sedan chair stands could be found at every hotel, wharf, and major crossroads. A public chair was licensed, and the price was based on the tariffs posted inside. Private sedan chairs were a status marker, as their bearers would usually be civil officers. Coolies would carry rich residents of The Peak on these sedan chairs.
Suitable materials
Sedan chairs have a distinct shape and are designed to fit together with a variety of tables and chairs. The frame of a sedan chair can be made of solid wood or rigid polyurethane foam. The seat shell of a sedan chair is usually made of a similar material. However, it is important to note that the material you choose for your sedan chair’s seat shell must be suitable for its purpose.
The frame is available in different colours and materials. The seat shell can be made of wood or powder-coated steel tubing. It is possible to use contrasting accents to make the seat and frame look aesthetically pleasing. A sedan chair can be used in a reception area, lounge, waiting room, or even a public place. This style of chair has a sleek, stylish design and provides distinct comfort.
The frame of a sedan chair has two main parts: the upper and lower sections. The lower portion of the seat is made of rattan, and the top part is made from bamboo. Both the upper and lower sections of the frame are connected by a thin board. The two notches are connected by an elastic element. In addition to the seat and backrest, the lower portion of the frame contains the elastic element and wallboard.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.