I have longed and searched for the elusive duchesse brisée (Or broken Duchess) a type of French chair/chaise combination for years!
There's just something so romantic and well....French that grabbed my heart and won't let go. I'm Duchesse obsessed!
What is it about this chaise divided into two or three parts that makes it sooooo much more expensive then almost any other type of chaise? And why do I always fall in love with the durned most expensive things?!! *winks*
I keep hoping I'll somehow run into one at an auction or estate sale and nobody else will want it (Yeah I'm realistic like that!) so I'll be able to pick one up without selling a kidney or body organ of some sort lol!
Won't you come join me for a tour of some of my beautiful favorites?
Translated from french:
'a duchesse brisée'
the 'duchesse' was at first in three parts,
two 'gondola type' chairs of different depth and height,
combined seats end to end, with a 'labouret' between them.
still detachable to be used at two seats, with a footstool.
the later rococo merged these into a single piece,
France, 1740 ca.
Hmmm I didn't know that center section was called a "labouret" Good to know huh?
OK lets start with one of my favorites. Isn't it gorgeous?! I don't even mind one bit that the silk is shredding on the end. It only adds to it's patina and charm.
This one is very Hollywood glam of the 1940's don'tcha think?
Or how about something in a two parter? I could curl up right there with a good book and visions (delusions) of french chateaux floating in my head. Couldn't you? *winks*
I adore this moth eaten looking green velvet!
Or perhaps something in Louis XVI cane? Just needs some pillows!
Or dreamy blue with squishy down cushions? *swoons*
Tattered from a chateaux?......... Yes please!!
Or one that's cool in crewel? Perfect in this chinoiserie room.
Or how about one with a more closed back? And sooo pretty in pink too!
I adore them all!
But until I find that needle in a haystack duchesse.....Dare to dream and *fingers crossed* I'll just have to be happy with my french chaise (here draped in tambour lace) And continue to buy the occasional lottery ticket. *winks*
And my fauteuil with ottoman from craigslist.
Do you have a dream piece that you obsess over? One that's almost impossible to obtain? I'd love to hear from you! Please leave me a comment and I'll visit you and do the same *winks*
Or perhaps you have a duchesse just layin' around that you want to be rid of? I'm your gal!
Thanks for dreaming with me for a minute or two!
Vanna
26 comments:
I love your chaise AND your ottoman! I've never seen the duchesse brisee before, thanks for exposing me to such grandeur!***
xoxo
Kathleen
Gorgeous chaise Vanna~ it's just beautiful and wonderful draped in your lace~ I would love any of the beauties you shared too!! :)
They are gorgeous. I think the Hollywood Glam is my favorite. I can see why you obsess!
Oh Vanna, they are all just fabulous. I love your chaise and your chair, they are both wonderful. Hope you find the one of your dreams. If I found one I would have to hang it from the ceiling, my house is just too small. lol Hugs, Marty
Great post. That Louis XVI cane is the one that makes me swoon.
Hello,
Gorgeous post! At home a have a Duchesse. I love your pics.
Greetings
Jérôme
Ms. V. Happy Memorial Day. I Just wanted to say that I have had three of those things, the thing you want, just like you said. I sold them in my shop. My old house does not allow me to have any furniture except American, well mostly. It does allow me to have Foreign accessories like from France and all other places in Europe. Any how I bought one of those 3 piece things and it was dark wood. I painted it that light French gray color that is so popular. And I covered it, well me and the upolstery man, in an off white velvet with some of those lace bed spreads ,like the one draped over your chase. I had a lot of them and some old curtain panels as well. We sheered the sides on the pillows with the lace and I used the scolloped boarder pieces to go around the edge of a pillow in the back. I had 2 large display windows in my shop in St.Louis, and every month I did them up grand. With the chase thing, I did a French Ladies dressing room. I found a fake fur carpet and covered the floor. I covered the walls in white marble contact paper. Hug 3 chandeliers and wrapped fake ivy and white roses in the chains. draped some lace spreads around the chandeliers and ceiling and hung some like curtains on each side of the window. Tied back with white roses.In went the 3 piece thing. I also found 2 new French 2 tier pedestals that I painted the same gray. I toped them with a pair of French prismed gerondals. I had a dressing table that was off white, hand painted with cherubs. I put a lot of silver and crystal dressing boxes on it and a folding fan or two. I had a pink Venitain Glass mirror that had pink glass morning glories all the way around the frame. I hung it above the dressing table. I barrowed, from a lady friend. slippers with feathers on the toes and a silk Teddy. I placed a coffee book on the floor that was titled," People of Means". Well this little old lady, she must have been 80, came and bought the whole window display. I wish I knew you then, as you would have loved it. The moral to the story is, keep looking, it'all happen. Richard from My Old Historic House
Lovely, Vanna! Hard to pick a fav! I understand your obsession! I just want a bergère chair and ottoman (which you already have! :-)...how nice!) And...a fabulous bouillotte lamp thrown in for good measure! Happy holiday weekend...hugs...Debbie
I understad your obcession!
Oh my Vanna I learned so much from this great post today then read Richard's comment of his store window display with one of your obsessions playing center stage! Would love to have seen it!!
I hope you will be able to find one someday!
Had a lovely time with our son- he had to get back Sunday evening so it was very quick!
I think we are going to have a lazy day today and find some forgotten road to discover what lays at the end of the drive!
bee blessed
mary
These are beautiful! I've always loved the chaise but didn't know about the duchesse brisée. I love them all but mostly the one in the chinoiserie room, my colours!
Vanna I'm back thanks to your easy fix, I feel like a dope though finding out how easy it was to fix my blog. Anyway love your Duchesse, I have always loved these but out of my price range too. I don't covet furniture any more since I have aalmost to much but you know me I'm always after some textile or another. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Thanks, hugs Debra,
Hi Love,
Thank you for being an inspiration. We are launching our blog today. Please visit us sometime at ivyandelephants.blogspot.com. Thanks so much and keep doing what you are doing. We just love your work.
Patricia and Paula of Ivy and Elephants.
dearest Vanna, To answer your question, Now I do have, since you brought these to my attention. Gotta say I liked all of them, but ooooh that hollywood piece, oh yea. It would be perfect for a little space to get cozy. I'm still in love with your Craig's List lovely too.
Hope your Memorial Day was great.
~Emily
The French Hutch
Those are some beautiful examples - hope you find one you really love.
Thanks for stopping by. Nice road trip, but also glad to be back home.
Have a great week.
ADORABLE! i love every picture!! those duchesses are soooo wonderful1!! its great that there is people whit the same obsession! :)
Ooooh i'd love the hollywood glam one!! And Vanna.....2 JUKEBOXES!! What are you doing to me! Im green with envy on every post and then you tell me about owning 2 of these bad boys! Any chance of a house swap?? ;o) Mwah Scarlett x
I have always longed for one of these...very cool inspiration photos Vanna! So glam!
I don't think I have seen any of these before. I enjoyed learning about them. Thanks so much for sharing. They are wonderful!
Oh Vanna, now you made me dream along with you. Those are fabulous and luxurious! I dream about so many things that it's hard to mention them, lol...Christine
Hi Vanna! You are obsessed with all these beauties! Thanks for the comment in comparison with Brad Pitt. Tee-hee! It started our day with some laughter.
Trinidad
Vanna beautiful inspiration photos. My favorite one was the cane! Your two chairs are gorgeous!! Martina
Vanna, I've never heard these terms before. Now, when I find a set, I will know what to tell the sales person I want to buy. Your chaise looks beautiful with that delicate lace draped over it, and I am still amazed that you got that fauteuil and ottoman from CL! Love your French shopping basket filled with hydrangeas too. laurie
Really enjoyed this, this is my second time here..my first timd wss almost a year ago when I got mine, I was trying to date it and maybe see if I had gotten a deal. Weather or not it was a deal, I love it..the only thing is...mine has the ottoman..the end chairs..and 1 additional small chair for a child perhaps...anyhow, I thoroughly enjoyed!
I purchased a set here in New Orleans about a year ago..I saw this post at that time as I was trying to research my purchase..I have yet to find a set with 4 parts..three chairs and ottoman..all I was told was it was from 1860 louie XVI style...still trying to find an appraiser..great post btw beautiful items!
Really enjoyed this, this is my second time here..my first timd wss almost a year ago when I got mine, I was trying to date it and maybe see if I had gotten a deal. Weather or not it was a deal, I love it..the only thing is...mine has the ottoman..the end chairs..and 1 additional small chair for a child perhaps...anyhow, I thoroughly enjoyed!
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