This pair of Mundus-Borlo bentwood chairs in steam-bent beech stands out for its flat splat back with two horizontal cross-rails fixed by metal rosettes, and for the round seat with fan-pressed relief. The “MUNDUS-BORLO MADE IN ROMANIA” stamp survives on the underside of the seat. Circa 1920.
Mundus operated a network of factories across Central Europe to meet the huge demand for bentwood furniture. The Bârlad plant in Romania was one of the most active during the 1910s and 1920s. The original factory stamp on the underside is an unusual provenance mark and adds documentary value.
The frame combines steam-bent rods for legs and side supports with a fine solid board for the back, fixed by hardware protected with small turned rosettes. The seat shows a fan-pressed pattern, a classic technique that increased grip and decoration at once.
The patina shows a warm tobacco tone, dense and even, with honest wear at the support points. The original stamp remains legible on the reverse, evidence that the piece has not undergone aggressive stripping. No invasive restorations.
They function well as dining chairs, accent chairs at a desk or scattered pieces in an entryway. Their slightly more architectural look — compared with the classic bistro chair — makes them especially compatible with quiet interiors or japandi-leaning rooms.
Details
- Materials and techniques: Steam-bent beech wood; solid splat back with metal rosettes; pressed round seat
- Place of origin: Romania
- Period: Vienna Secession
- Date of manufacture: Circa 1920
- Dimensions: Piece #1: Length 45 cm – Depth 49 cm – Height 88 cm (seat 47 cm) · Piece #2: Length 40 cm – Depth 44 cm – Height 89 cm (seat 48 cm)
- Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use. One of the chairs preserves the original “MUNDUS-BORLO MADE IN ROMANIA” stamp on the underside of the seat.
ONE OF A KIND PIECE
At Amaru Antiques (Barcelona) we select each antique for its history, its craftsmanship and the quiet presence it brings to a contemporary home.
