Trash or treasure? Let's find out

Enter the dragon

Otto Langaas of Amanzimtoti writes This chair, which I believe was part of a dining set, was brought to South Africa by whaling boat in the 1930s. Can you shed some light on it and suggest a possible value? Sophie-Louise Fröhlich of Stephan Welz & Co. replies This is a Japanese export dragon armchair; in other words, it was made in Japan for the Western market. The dragon is an emblem of divine power and these chairs were predominantly made in the late 19th and 20th century. The use of carved backs with cloud and dragon designs, dragon armrests often holding a flaming pearl, and dragon legs are common characteristics. The price it fetches at auction will depend on its condition. CIRCA Late 19th century VALUE R4 000 – R6 000 at auction

The chair of despair

Lara Gordon writes A very good family friend passed this chair on to my grandmother. From what I’ve heard, it’s from France and must be older than 80 years. I’ve now inherited it but my husband hates it! I’m hoping it may be valuable; then at least I can tell him it’s worth hanging onto. Am I right?

Sophie-Louise replies This is a Savonarola chair (also referred to as a Dante chair). It’s a type of folding chair with a frame in the shape of an X. The design originated in medieval Italy but these chairs are found across Europe under different names with slight differences in appearance and embellishment. This particular example might be an American reproduction and would have limited value at auction. CIRCA Late 19th century VALUE R2 000 at auction

CONTACT ct@stephanwelzandco.co.za