Arts & Crafts Oak Pokerwork Monk Chair

29 x 28 inches. An Arts and Crafts period settle-table, frequently referred to as a monk's chair or chair-table, constructed from oak with a dark-stained finish. This multifunctional piece features a circular tabletop hinged to a chair base, allowing it to pivot between a horizontal surface and a vertical backrest. The base is formed by two solid side panels with arched cutouts that serve as both legs and armrests, joined by a central seat and a lower stretcher shelf for stability. The entire exterior is extensively decorated with pokerwork, or pyrography, motifs. A border of poinsettia blossoms and holly leaves encircles the tabletop and continues across the chair seat and the outer faces of the side panels. The central square section of the tabletop is finished with a textured, stippled background and relief lettering highlighted in gold. The top line reads REST-YE, the center line reads AND, and the bottom line reads THANKFUL-BE. The grain of the wood within the central panel is oriented vertically, contrasting with the grain of the circular border. The construction utilizes wooden pivoting pins to secure the top to the armrests. No manufacturer's marks, labels, or signatures are visible on the piece.