Featured Interesting little chairs

Hi everyone. A few years ago I brought 2 of these little 3 legged chairs from a collector clearing out his house (Cape Town- South Africa) They looked to be hand carved and have rush seating (I think) They stand about 90cm tall.Their size and crude eagle carving makes me think they might be some reproductions made for children. Any ideas or thoughts on age and origin? Thank you

 

Perhaps not deliberate reproductions, but a custom creative pastiche. The three-legged chair type goes back to the 17th century, while the shield back looks more like the mid-20th. Interesting effort!

 

Yeah, I don't think antique or for children either, decorator piece perhaps?
As Ghopper notes, 3 legged chairs were a "thing" in the 17th century, no one knows for sure why. One theory is, wood-turners showing off their skills, another was less cost.
The problem is, these chairs are notoriously unstable, lean left or right and you find yourself on the floor so children would not do well in them.

 

Much appreciated. Thank you for the comments and information. I do find them intriguing. Yes,perhaps just something someone pieced together for show/decor.

 

I get a 60s vibe. They are super cool looking!

 

it's pure geometry. a plane is defined by three points.
three-legged stools and chairs are ideal for uneven floors. sometimes also used as corner chairs.
if by chance the owner was from Northern Germany then they might be "made after" the three-legged Worpsweder Stühle - which pay good money when in original condition.
https://www.google.ch/search?q=worp...t=img&ei=BrziYJegGI6UUIqhhkA&bih=527&biw=1184

 

Very interesting.Thanks. Those original Worpsweder chairs are beautiful.