Pair of Antique Scottish Orkney Chairs –Hand-Woven Straw Backs, 19th Century

These traditional high-back armchairs are distinguished by their finely woven oat straw panels, designed originally to shield from coastal winds and cold stone interiors of the Orkney Islands. Handcrafted with pegged joints and solid hardwood frames—likely elm or oak—these chairs reflect centuries of vernacular design rooted in practicality, warmth, and community heritage. Structurally sound with some expected wear to straw consistent with age and use, the tall woven backs and rush seats create a textural, sculptural presence ideal for both rustic and modern interiors. The chairs are not an exact pair, as they were made by the crofters to accommodate each family member. Hence, they are individual, unique, and a piece of Scottish folk art.