Relevant categories: Cabinets and Chests,Tables,Dining Chairs,Dressers and Sideboards
(Above photo - Set 8 Oak Jacobean Dining Chairs Farmhouse Furniture )
When you mention Jacobean antiques, the first thing that comes to mind is King James I of England. Even though he ruled England between 1603 and 1625, the Jacobean period is thought to have lasted from 1603 to 1649. At that time, England and the rest of the world were just emerging from the medieval period. Furniture made at that time were heavily enriched, just like those from the Elizabethan period.
So, you would expect the earliest Jacobean antiques to still feature gothic ornamentation related to the pointed arch. In the later years of the 16th century, the gothic details disappeared, except the occasionally used linenfold panels. The accession of James I to the English throne meant an end to the Tudor dynasty, of which the last monarch was Elizabeth I. Having died without an heir, Elizabeth I had no one in her family lineage to succeed her. As much as the Tudor dynasty had come to an end, the home décor and furniture remained largely unchanged. However, following the contributions of Inigo Jones and the Low Countries style, a few features were gradually modified.
(Above photo - Jacobean Oak Carved Side Table Desk ) Jacobean antiques were characteristically symmetrical or geometric with lots of lines and rectilinear shapes. Even though the design was straightforward, the furniture pieces often had carvings of geometric and intricate motifs. Unlike furniture from the medieval period, the ones created during that time were created to appeal to the eye. Jacobean furniture was also much lighter than that from previous periods.
At that time, designers began to emphasize comfort, a complete departure from the medieval period. The first furniture to feature upholstery was created during the Jacobean period. However, the carvings on the furniture were hardly intricate. Instead, they were simple and rarely gilded. Mostly, the designers would save time and effort by simply painting the wood. To construct cabinets, some furniture makers would at times rely on exotic woods. Where that wasn’t possible, they would simply take pearwood and stain it black to imitate ebony.
(Above photo - Pair Jacobean Oak Chairs Carver Arm Chairs Farmhouse 1880 ) Characteristically, Jacobean antiques are created to be straight. For example, chairs from that period have rectangular seats and straight backs. The legs, just like those of the tables, were made to stand perpendicular to the ground. Usually, there would be only a few chairs in a household since they were meant for the masters.
Jacobean tables were mainly made from oak. Even though originally bulb-burned, the legs became simpler with lunette-patterned rails. The chairs and tables were used together with the cupboards and chests. Just like the other pieces of furniture, the cupboards and chests had very rich carvings. During the Jacobean period, the beds seemed to retain the features of those from the Elizabethan period.
(Above photo - Oak Jacobean Sideboard Server Buffet Kitchen Furniture c.1920 ) Another furniture style that emerged during the Jacobean period is the folding table. It was possible to increase the table surface simply by unfolding the flaps. Of course, the folding table was later on improved to become what we know today. You can get several Jacobean antiques from our shop today.
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