Caption:
Bannister-back armchair, c. 1720, 47 1/8 x 25in. (119.7 x 63.5cm), Maple, oak, and chestnut with rush seat, United States, 18th century, When ordering chairs, it was common for buyers to specify how much or little decoration they preferred. Chairs could have 'carved topped' or 'plain topped' crest rails, carved or lathe-turned front stretchers, and turned or plain side stretchers. The more elaborate the decoration, the more labor-intensive and more expensive the chair.