The City Sage

Chairs of the World: The Butterfly Chair

A forest glen. Dappled sunlight, a cloudless sky. Somewhere in the distance a brook babbles and birds chirp, and through the trees we sight it: Papilio cathedra. More commonly known as the butterfly chair, this versatile creature makes its home in bedrooms and sitting rooms and the world over--and it is our subject today on Chairs of the World.

Often spotted in a modern scene such as this one, Papilio cathedra often seems content to play a supporting role to more substantial pieces. Its low body weight and paper-thin skeletal structure make it adaptable to almost any situation. Something tells me that of a winter evening, this specimen frequently finds itself dragged closer to the fire.

Not surprisingly, Papilio cathedra boasts an inherently lighthearted personalty and often congregates with species of a similarly whimsical nature. A silky purple rug, column of paper lanterns, and chubby mid-century sofa make perfect playmates for this lucky chair.

Unusual but not unheard of, here we see a butterfly chair that has moved from a supporting role to center stage in this eclectic living room. Its scales are a deep mocha brown, which allows it to hold its own against a red velvet Louis chair.

Amongst the butterfly chair's many talents is its ability to mimic other animals by changing its wing pattern. On the terrace we spy Papilio cathedra, subspecies bovinae. It has not yet been determined what advantage this creature gains by taking on cow spots; nature works in mysterious ways.

Camouflage is another technique that the butterfly chair uses to its benefit. Notice how this creamy-coated has ingratiated itself in a vignette of similarly-hued elements. We can only surmise that by evading notice, this individual avoids the inevitable sagging that occurs from the weight of too many rear ends sitting on it.

Of course every creature has its flaws, and the butterfly chair is no exception. Because its fragile appendages lose heat quickly, Papilio cathedra easily catches a chill. Fortunately for this specimen, a symbiotic relationship has developed with a sheepskin rug, providing it with valuable insulation during the colder months.

Finally, though known for its airy and delicate appearance, Papilio cathedra occasionally develops a more rugged appearance. Worn leather and oversized stitching say, 'I dare you to cross me.' Maybe this fellow watched Indiana Jones one too many times?

P.S. More butterfly chairs here.

Image Credits: 1. Maison Cote Est March 2010 2. Maison Francaise April May 2010 3. Domino 4. Lonny May/June 2010 5. Le Journal de la Maison 6. Laura Resen 7. Rachel Whiting 8. The Style Files Sponsored Links: Guaranteed 1z0-052 exam preparation with 000-105 online training! Also get free download link for HP2-Q04 exam.

Chairs of the World: The Wing Chair

Shhh. Do you see it? In the distance? Quietly nesting before the fireplace? It's glorious wings spread wide for all to see? We are lucky indeed to spot this prime specimen, for today we study the common wing chair, and this is...drum roll...another episode of 'Chairs of the World'.

The wing chair has evolved over many centuries and is now found in diverse habitats the world over. Here we see a studious wing chair that has made its home in an office. It seems to have developed unusually large, bulbous wings, perhaps an adaptation that allows for increased intellectual vigor?

This wing chair has ingratiated itself in a modern environment: proof that even the most traditional of creatures can exist harmoniously in a contemporary setting. Note the dramatic display of black plumage--an unmistakable display of dominance.

Behold, a gentler wing chair with a floral hide. Definitely the marker of the female of the species. Observe how easily she blends with her surroundings. Not given to exhibitionism like her male counterpart, this creature instead channels her energies to protecting the young pillow on her lap.

Not many wing chairs of an advanced age exist outside of captivity, and for good reason. This ancient specimen has taken on chubby, squat proportions as it nears the end of its life, and its stuffing has begun to escape the seams. In a perfect world, someone will provide a foster home for this wing chair and give it dignity in the twilight of its years.

Crikey! It's a pair of American Coastal wing chairs! This is a rare find indeed. With their white coats and nautical blue trim, these chairs must spend endless hours grooming and maintaining their bright sheen. Let's just hope they have access to a steady diet of Scotchguard!

On the European subcontinent we see this Italian wing chair in its palatial habitat. Not threatened by the grandeur of sky-high ceilings, arched doorways, and priceless antiques, this confident beast holds its own in spite of its shabby slipcover and humble posture.

Not to be outdone, the French have undertaken an extensively researched breeding program to produce wing chairs of their own. Radiant and sophisticated, these wing chairs are perhaps the most refined in the furniture kingdom, and can be yours for a pretty penny. Now tell me: is a mutt or a purebred wing chair more your style?

P.S. Study up on Bertoia, Egg and Wishbone. There will be a test at the end of the semester.
P.P.S This episode is dedicated to the divine Miss B, our most ardent 'Chairs of the World' supporter.

Image Credits: 1. Michael Grimm 2. Restoration Hardware 3. Richard Powers 4. Junk Style 5. Perfect English 6. Homes and Gardens 7. Italian Country Living 8. Arts & Decoration Magazine 

Chairs of the World: Panton Chair

Welcome to yet another edition of Chairs of the World. Our subject today? The Panton Chair. This sleek yet slow-moving creature is known for its adaptability; found in regions all over the planet, its peaceful nature results in harmonious relationships with humans and other animals alike. Come with me as we track this gentle giant.

Much as elephants gather at the watering hole, the Panton can often be spotted around the table. Their tendency to travel in herds of four or six allows for safety and comfort in even the most adverse climes.

The shining coat of this specimen indicates robust health and excellent grooming habits. This proud and confident individual is not afraid to co-exist with furniture from the traditional end of the spectrum, and it easily holds its own amongst a tufted armchair and exotic table.

The Panton's quiet ways make it an ideal companion for humans of all ages. A bright green hide will win over even the shyest of children. But can it convince them to sit still and do their homework?

Here we see a trio of hatchlings being trained for service; conditioning them at an early age will guarantee that they have a long and happy life of loyal service.

What's this? A Panton impostor? Or perhaps the demanding conditions of a bathroom environment have led to a rare genetic variation? Clearly more research on this front is needed.

Finally, a prime example of the Panton's congenial personality. What other creature in your knowledge could convene with so many varied species and still look fabulous?

Image Credits: 1. Unknown 2, 5. Living Etc. 3. Domino 4. Hallie Burton 6. New York Magazine 7, 8. Marie Claire Maison

Chairs of the World: Bertoia Side Chair

It's time for yet another edition of Chairs of the World. Come with me as we stalk our prey, the Bertoia Side Chair. A clever and versatile beast, the Bertoia has been known to make its home even at the farthest regions of the earth.

Much of the Bertoia's stealthy behaviour can be attributed to its airy, almost floating quality. See how easily it dwells with an opulent antique table. And like the Arctic hare, the Bertoia is not above employing camouflage, as exhibited in the snowy white habitat below.

Inherently social in nature, the Bertoia prefers to exist in a group. This pack mentality leads it to interact even with creatures of a different species--yet another example of the Bertoia's cunning and adaptability.

Like any wily beast, the Bertoia uses shrewd defense mechanisms when attacked. Many an unsuspecting human has received a rear full of metal grille marks from sitting unprotected on this chair--a cushion is therefore advised in the event of close contact.

Always on the hunt for opportunities to display itself to best advantage, this Bertoia seems to have discovered that nothing offsets its sleek, wiry lines so nicely as a dark, gleaming floor.

Another dark floor, another sly Bertoia. However this specimen is engaged in a life-or-death battle for attention with the crystal chandelier above it.

Not content to exist only as a dining chair, the Bertoia has also been known to make its home in bedrooms around the world. Here a rare lone individual has found purpose as a bedside table.

This pair seems to be eyeing the bed quite thoughtfully; can a mating ritual and a litter of tiny Bertoias be far behind?

If you're just tuning in, be sure to catch previous episodes of Chairs of the World, including The Egg Chair and The Wishbone Chair!

Image Credits: 1. Elle Decoration UK, November 2008 2. Marie Claire Maison 3. At Home with White by Atlanta Bartlett, copyright Ryland Peters & Small 4. House to Home 5. Unknown 6. Domino 7. Domino 8. Marie Claire Maison 9. Domino

Chairs of the World: The Egg Chair

Welcome to another edition of Chairs of the World. Our subject today? The Egg Chair, a creature whose ubiquity in contemporary interiors rivals that of pigeons in Manhattan. Unlike the spry and nimble Wishbone Chair, the Egg Chair is clumsy and slow to action, and it therefore must rely on camouflage to evade capture. Come with me as we stalk its many permutations.

Here we see the common brown Egg Chair. Though it may appear dull-witted, this individual has cleverly formed a symbiotic relationship with similarly shaped and hued ottoman---thereby confusing potential predators.

The arctic Egg Chair develops a white coat as winter approaches. Though easy to spot in the early autumn...

...it is nearly invisible once the cold light of winter arrives. Isn't nature wonderful?

When angered or threatened, the Egg Chair will flush a brilliant shade of fuchsia as a warning to all who dare come near.

This juvenile specimen has strategically placed a small pillow on his lap in hopes of blending with his surroundings. Clearly he has much to learn about the art of camouflage.

Perhaps he should take a cue from his older and wiser relative, who has not only shed his solid coat in favour of a pattern, but has also hidden behind the protective cover of foliage.

Much as a lizard's body temperature fluctuates according to his surroundings, Egg Chairs in tropical regions have been known to develop fiery hides that mirror the hot climate of their habitats.

Though clearly past her reproductive prime, this grandmother Egg Chair has maintained her complex floral coat and practically disappears into the rug below her.

And finally, the most rare sighting of all: a pair of elusive metallic Egg Chairs. Once this couple mates, they will produce spectacularly shiny offspring!

Image Credits: 1. Hotze Eisma 2. Paul Costello 3. Shootfactory 4. Hallie Burton 5. Source Unknown 6. John Bessler 7. Hallie Burton 8. Source Unknown 9. Rachel Whiting 10. House Beautiful via Design Crisis

Chairs of the World: Wegner Wishbone

Night falls over the jungle. Through the canopy of trees the full moon glows bright in the sky, casting just enough light for our hunting party. Tread softly, keep a keen eye, and join me as we stalk our prey: that most graceful of creatures, the Wishbone Chair.

First released into the wild by Hans J. Wegner in 1949, the Wishbone Chair is recognized by its spry physiognomy and quiet temperament. With curved hind legs and an arched, sloping back, the Wishbone (or CH 24 as it is properly known) is a hardy and versatile animal and can be found in diverse habitats.

Although a modern setting is most common for the Wishbone, its clean shape and neutral hide lend it well to all manner of situations. For example, It mixes equally well with stark metal or traditional column tables.

A certain tribal elegance inherent to the Wishbone is easily heightened with the appropriate small accessories; materials with an organic feel such as wood or stone make appropriate partners for this earthy beast.

The Wishbone is frequently a social creature. It happily exists as one of a pair or a large group (seen here beneath stacks of roughly woven blankets---a common camouflage ploy for this species).

However the Wishbone can also survive in solitude, and has been known to engage in self-exile from the pack. Naturalists have yet to come to a conclusion on the motivations behind this behaviour.

Though the blonde-coated variety accounts for the majority of the Wishbone population, black-coated specimens do exist and are highly valued for their stark, spare lines.

Very rare indeed is the Blue Legged Wishbone. It's not for everyone, perhaps, but the most enthusiastic of Wishbone fanatics have been known to go to considerable lengths to acquire such a prized specimen.

The Wishbone makes a gentle and affectionate family pet. Get yours new or pre-loved. And don't forget to enter this week's giveaway!

Image Credits: 1. Chris Everard 2. Modern Craft 3. Noah Webb 4. Domino 5. Hotze Eisma 6. Patric Johansson 7. Ochre 8. David Prince 9. Johnny Miller