Notes

The 'tolletjie' or 'spindle' chair was a contemporary of the 'Tulbagh' chair. Made from the seventeenth century into the nineteenth century, they were amongst the earliest seating furniture in the Cape. Unlike other Cape chairs, the components were all turned, and this is where it derives its name from, 'tolletjie' meaning a spool or bobbin in Afrikaans.

These chairs were made from fruit or other woods not usually used for other furniture as they made use of saplings that were suitable for turning but much too small for sawing into planks.

Another distinguishing feature is the double box-stretcher, and signs of wear on the front stretcher usually authenticates the age.

Provenance

Private Collection.