Folding X-chair, anonymous, c. 1620 - c. 1650
Since antiquity, this type of folding or X-chair has served as a seat of honour for emperors and bishops. Usually, there was only one such chair in a room – reserved for a person of standing. The front legs and posts are decorated with dolphins and crowned Tritons (mermen: half-men, half-fish). The hinge on the front is fitted with a lion’s head.