Regency Ebonized Furniture - An Antiques Guide

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(Above photo - Pair Regency Console Tables Painted Lacquer Adams )

Regency furniture is one of the most popular for collectors and homeowners looking for retro interior decor. During the Regency era, which lasted for 40 years between 1795 and 1837, the Prince Regent reigned over Britain as a proxy for King George III, who had become mentally indisposed. When King George died in 1820, the Prince Regent assumed power, becoming King George IV. Lacquer furniture can also be described as ebony and lacquered.

As one of the most culturally defining moments in the history of Great Britain, the Regency period shaped and altered the country’s societal structure by a great deal. Regency furniture stands out because of the dalliance of the Prince Regent with ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman designs. The table had the following general characteristics:

Heavy, dark wood such as mahogany, rosewood, and zebrawood

Applied decorations such as lion masks and female masks

Column-shaped, X-shaped, or concave-shaped chair legs

Carved rosettes and laurel wreaths

Paw-shaped feet with metal covers on chair or table legs

Cabinet drawer/door knob-like handles made from bronze or brass

What Is Regency Ebonized Furniture?

(Above photo - Pair Regency lacquer pedestal stand tables)

Regency ebonized furniture refers to that whose wood is stained to resemble genuine ebony. Ebonizing is a decorative technique first popularized in France during the reign of Louis XIV. It involves the use of iron acetate to turn any wood black right from the grains. Therefore, the resultant black looks natural since it is created into the wood fibers and not on the surface.

Why did furniture makers go to great lengths to ebonize wood? Ebony is highly prized for its high density and the characteristic solid black. Because of its value, ebony is heavily harvested in all the regions where it grows. It is much easier for many furniture makers to ebonize other common woods than sourcing the rare, expensive genuine ebony.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that ebonized wood has the same quality as genuine ebony. But its affordability makes it very desirable. The best woods to ebonize are high tannin levels, which react with iron acetate to create a rich colour. Examples of high-tannin woods include walnut, oak, and cherry. However, that doesn’t mean that you cannot ebonize woods with lower levels of tannin. A different method that doesn’t rely on iron acetate may be used.

Types of Regency Ebonized Furniture

(Above photo - Victorian Lacquer Side Chair Ebonised Brighton Pavillion )

Like traditional Regency furniture, the ebonized pieces can be of different types, including dining tables, dining chairs, accent tables, lounge chairs, side chairs, wardrobes, armoires, mirrors, etageres, etc. The kind of furniture you choose largely depends on your needs. Due to its timeless quality, any regency furniture will look great inside your home.

Conclusion

(Above photo - Regency ebonized lacquer pedestal stands )

The importance of the Regency period in defining furniture styles in Britain and across the world cannot be gainsaid. It resulted in the production of high-quality furniture that’s still favoured today. You may prefer original Regency ebony furniture or go for Regency ebonized furniture, depending on your needs. Whatever your choice, our antique furniture store has got you covered. Call us today and pick high-quality furniture for revamping your home’s interior decor.