944 - Roman folding chair, iron, with bronze inlays, 4th–mid-5th century A.D.

Roman folding chair, iron, with bronze inlays, 4th–mid-5th century A.D. Iron with bronze inlays. Two folding frames made of flat rods connected at the center, with narrow notches at the top, bottom, and sides. On the top, three (partially damaged) ring mounts on each side for continuous iron rods used to secure the seat. On the outer sides and crossbars, largely preserved (partially rusted over) geometric decoration consisting of inlaid bronze wires as well as dots and small squares. On the wider sections, the ornaments are mostly set within rectangular frames; on the narrower sections, they are unframed. At the intersection, the two folding frames are connected in a movable manner by a sturdy rivet with a hemispherical head on the outside. The existing leather covering is a modern addition. The iron frame is covered with reddish-brown oxides; the gilding is worn away in places and covered by layers of oxide, but is largely still clearly recognizable. Dimensions when folded: 61 x 41.5 cm. The “Sella castrensis” follows the tradition of early Italian insignia of authority. It was particularly common in military circles. CULTURAL HERITAGE Provenance: Private French collection. Previously in the Axel Guttmann Collection (before 2000). Condition: II–III