WEDNESDAY'S WORD OF THE WEEK: OS DE MOUTON

OS DE MOUTON

os de mou·ton [os duh moo-ton]

noun  [os duh moo-ton] bone of mutton

Furniture. refers to sinuous stretchers that are the quintessential element of Louis XIII furniture.

Also called sheep bone.

Origin: 
1940–45; < French: literally, mutton bone.

Plate I

I love chairs. What's not to love about them? Chairs are a key element in design and add a special touch to any room. Many antique chairs are purely decorative because they become too frail or delicate after a hundred years or more of use. But not Os de Mouton, or Sheep Bone chairs. As the French name suggests, the shape of the chair legs is literally based on the legs of a lamb. A solid frame and shapely legs give these chairs a classic, timeless appearance while graceful carvings, paired with upholstered backs and seats with nailhead trim, add elegance.

Os de Mouton Settee and Armchair. Circa Early 1900's. Walnut.
Chapeau de Gendarme Shaped Backs with Nailhead Trim  

Set of 6 Os de Mouton Chairs. Circa 1880's. Walnut.
Chapeau de Gendarme Shaped Backs with Nailhead Trim.

Pair of Os de Mouton Arm Chairs with Ottoman. Circa 1890's. Walnut.
Chapeau de Gendarme Shaped Chair Back. Upholstered with Nailhead Trim.

Os de Mouton chairs are functional as well as decorative. The best known innovation from the Louis XIII period, this quintessential French chair looks wonderful with most any style dining table and provides balance and extra seating in a room. During the 17th-century, the Os de Mouton chair filled many exquisite dining halls of grand chateaus across the French countryside.

Pair of Os de Mouton Chairs Used as Accent Chairs For Extra Seating

Os de Mouton Chairs Paired With Rustic Dining Table

A single chair can inspire an entire room's decor. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Every chair should be a throne and hold a king." Let this classic French chair be your throne!

Os de Mouton Side Chair. Circa 1890's. Walnut.
New Striped Linen Upholstery with Nailhead Trim.

Á Bientôt!

Lolo & Mimi