Brittany Table, 6 Chairs and Bench

Set Includes

Dining Table, 6 chairs, and bench

Includes 6 original chairs, but with included 3 large leaves, table can easily seat up to 12! Brittany antique furniture is named for the province in north-western France where this very distinctive, heavily-carved wood furniture originated. It was once an independent kingdom called Lesser Britain, hence the name. Brittany antique furniture was mainly created around the end of the 1800s, when the region became popular in France. The furniture is often crafted in dark chestnut wood and the ornate carvings tell a story. Typical symbols include ship wheels due to the fact that this is a maritime area that is heavily dependent on fishing. Other carvings show scenes of French country life, with rustic images like people spinning wool into yarn by a thatched cottage, or farmers reaping wheat in the fields beneath a windmill, or praying in thanks over their abundant harvest. Other typical scenes include jovial villagers celebrating with a glass of wine or flagon of beer, playing music and dancing. They are always clothed in traditional Celtic dress, which adds to the charm of the pastoral scenes. Quality Carved figurines of men and women are also very typical of this furniture style, perhaps as table legs or as supports on a buffet between the lower cabinet and upper hutch. They wear Celtic dress and the hand-carving is so skillful every detail right down to the folds in the clothing often looks remarkably lifelike. Folksy Furniture Brittany style furniture is truly a form of French Country folk art that continues to enchant antique carved wood furniture lovers more than a century later. One thing is for sure, the charming carved scenes and figurines will always be a conversation starter! Even The Berg Rheinstein Castle in Germany features Brittany Furniture throughout its interior. We are downsizing and simply cannot fit these beautiful pieces into our new home.