Antique English Limed Oak Joint Stool England circa 1890

The beautifully weathered surface of this antique English limed oak joint stool from England circa 1890 gives it a wonderfully appealing presence. This rectangular stool follows the same shape and construction method seen since the sixteenth century where sturdy benches like this were seen in every household. The bench serves as excellent additional seating in a room as well as providing a convenient place to set drinks, food and reading material as it is easily moved anywhere it is needed. This particular bench is unique because of its height which enables it to be used as a small side table as well. Originally the bench was named a "joyned" stool because it is constructed of individual components and then "joyned" together to make a complete piece. Over time the word became shortened into first "joynt" and then the common modern usage and spelling of joint stool. The different terms were important in the past because a wood "joiner" was a different profession from a cabinet maker. A joiner made furniture out of components that may or may not have been made in his own workshop whereas a cabinet maker constructed pieces from beginning to end using his own labour and designs. The four turned legs are set at a slight angle to the top and then joined by stretchers at the base and the apron beneath the seat. The proportion of the four legs is defined by their incised ring turnings that add a subtle decorative dimension to the overall appearance. In addition the apron features a frieze in a guilloche pattern on the two long sides while the shorter sides have a simple grooved decoration.