Chair withfloral motif

Western Pomerania is a region where many different types of seating equipment emerged. Particularly noteworthy are the chairs from the area of Jamno, which was a thriving carpenter's centre already in the 19th century. The ethnographic collection of the National Museum in Szczecin contains a richly decorated chair from 1853. According to the records from the inventory book, it comes from the Western Pomerania region, however considering its construction and especially, the decorations with a characteristic tulip motif, it can be assumed with high probability that it was made somewhere around Jamno. Geographical, historical and ethnic conditions contributed to the development of a specific culture in the area, combining elements of the Slavic tradition with the customs of the immigrant population. German and Dutch settlers brought to Pomerania not only well-developed carpentry skills but also aesthetic standards and customs. An example of such import is a tradition, widespread in central Germany and the Netherlands, of the fiancé to present his future wife with an exceptionally decorated chair inscribed with the date (year) of the wedding and often the name of the owner. The chair would also play a significant role during the wedding ceremony, it was an important element of the rite of passage from the maiden to the married state, which was very significant in the folk beliefs. A coin was placed in its woven seat to ensure prosperity for future spouses. The chair presented here has a frame-type construction and a trapezoid-shaped seat, woven from pine roots of two shades. Its backrest is divided by distinctively shaped balusters. The ornamentation made using the template is stunning in its variety and richness of detail. In addition to tulips, it consists of multi-petalled flowers and hearts. According to an inscription at the bottom of the backrest, the chair belonged to Sophia Stodt.

Agnieszka Słowińska