Lower Southern Piedmont, child's armchair, ca.

1840 - 90.

Unidentified wood and red paint with river cane or rattan seating, 25× 15 × 13 1/4

Southern Vernacular

Southern vernacular (domestic and functional) chair style shows the influence of Continental European design. A notable characteristic is the overhanging arm. The arm hangs over the front post instead of being tenoned into it, as in early New England. This style of arm might be seen as encouraging a more relaxed posture, showing how children were intended to learn gestures from their elders.

—The Georgia Museum of Art