ich carvings on this Dutch chair suggest an important  commission. Such chairs are normally made for an occasion, a royal family or a newly created royal home. The elongated back with pierced scrollwork and crested back rail are in the manner of Daniel Marot (Circa: 1663 – 1752). Much of the furniture was donated from Holland for use in churches involved in conversions. This chair served the Dutch community in Pulicat, 60 kms north of Chennai in times as early as the 1800s. Like most other objects, it also left the settlement and landed in the hands of one O’Connor family in Chennai. Interestingly, O’Connor, an ex-employee of Loyola College claimed that the chair was gifted to his ancestor who worked in the residence of one Mr. Robert who was in India in the late 1800s and was involved in construction business in chepauk area. (Could it be Robert Fellowes Chisholm, the stylish architect, designer, artist, restorer who lived in India between 1865 and 1902). Eventually it got listed into the collection of The STEVE BORGIA INDIAN HERITAGE MUSEUM.

Marot brought the French court style of the 1670’s to northern Europe and worked for the Prince of Orange.  One of these chairs now is in the possession of Victoria & Albert Museum.  Several features in the ornament refer back to Portuguese furniture of the 1660s and 1670s such as the gested shape of the back-rail and the profusion of controlled and deeply cut leaf-scrolls.

Incidentally, I am told that many such chairs were found in the public areas of

one hotel D’Angleis and its open air restaurant, the Parisien Gardens owned by one Mr. Giamto D’Angelis, a confectioner from France. Interestingly, V. R. Kamath & Co., a cabinet  maker tried duplicating them but in teak wood. Notably, the stand for the presidency casket which was presented to H.M. King George V on his visit to India was made by Kamath & Co and appreciciated by the rest of the world.