In the “Russian Style”: Shutov’s “Arch, Axe and Gloves” Chair
Made of carved oak, this trompe l’oeil chair (lot 243), after a design by V.P Shutov, is part of museum collections around the world. The curved backrest and the front legs are in the form of a decorated yoke, carved into the backrest is the old Russian saying ‘Tishe edesh’ dal’she budesh’, which loosely translates as “the quieter you go, the further you’ll get”, the arms are carved as axes set in logs, and the seat carved en trompe l’oeil resembles a pair of gloves resting on woven matting, the backrest has a balalaika with a rooster’s head and a wooden bell. It is no wonder that with all of this traditional folk imagery, this chair happens to be one of the most famous examples of Russian decorative furniture.
According to the exhibition catalogue, “The original ‘Arch, Axe and Gloves’ chair, inspired by Russian national folk furniture of the 17th century, was first produced by Vasilii Shutov and exhibited at the All-Russian Manufacturing Exhibition in St Petersburg in 1870. It is probably from this original model, which inspired numerous later versions produced throughout Russia and remained popular for four decades, that the present lot takes its distinctive design. Emperor Alexander III reputedly purchased a similar chair and an example exists in the Hermitage Collection (no. ERMB-481).”
I tried to locate additional information on Shutov but all I found was that the designer was also the owner of the St. Petersburg workshop where this chair was produced and that he eventually became a lecturer at the Baron Stieglitz Art College, this according to the Hermitage Collection’s website. The Art College is today known as the Stieglitz St. Petersburg State Academy of Art and Industry and it is recognized as one of the most prestigious art universities in Russia.
The school was founded in 1876 by the order of Alexander II and with financial aid from Baron Alexander L. Stieglitz (1814-1884). The school was originally known as the Central College for Technical. During the Russian Revolution it was renamed Petrograd State Art and Industry Workshops. After WWII it became a finishing school for professionals interested in the “monumental, decorative and applied and industrial arts.” The school underwent several name changes: in 1948 it became the Leningrad Academy of Art and Industry, and in 1953, Mukhina Leningrad Academy of Art and Industry, named the USSR artist Vera Mukhina, in 1994 it was renamed into the St. Petersburg State Academy of Art and Industry, and finally, in December 2006 the Academy was named after the Baron, the Academy Stieglitz St. Petersburg State Academy of Art and Industry. The school still concentrates on decorative and applied arts, monumental arts (which I assume means architecture) and design.
In case, if anyone is wondering it costs to own such an iconic chair? Well, with an estimate of $6,000-9,000, it went for $8,125.
However, while beautiful in its construction and Russian in its iconography, there have been so many other wonderful examples of Russian furniture produced that it makes me wonder why this chair can be frequently found at auction but other great pieces are not available.
This made we remember my trip to Moscow several years ago and the wonderful furniture that I discovered while visiting museums there. Stay tuned for these images, which proved to be my most valuable souvenirs, as I will share them with you later in the week.
Just saw yesterday a similar chair at the Dorich House Museum in Kingston upon Thames, UK, among other Russian treasures. I was doing some research about it when I stumbled across your very informative article. Thank you for sharing.