Here’s proof that crossed-legged furniture came into existence thousands of years ago. Before you is the ceremonial throne of Tutankhamun. This is Egypt, 14th century BC! There are also small, cross-legged folding chairs dating from the 17th century BC. From Ancient Egypt, such chairs successfully migrated to Ancient Greece, where they were named Diphros Okladias.
At the same time, the ancient Greeks often made the legs of the chairs in the form of animal hooves and paws, which gave the furniture a special flavor. In ancient Rome, X-shaped designs of chairs and armchairs already acquired a sacred meaning, they were used only by the nobility. From the Roman Empire, similar furniture spread throughout Europe. Chairs with crossed legs were not necessarily folding, they were valued for reliability, beauty and convenience.
Backs, armrests, soft seats, cruciform chairs began to acquire already in the Renaissance. It is clear that such chairs were awkward, but much more comfortable and massive. They were made of wood and with the help of forging, decorating with carvings or openwork metal curls, figures on handles and backs. Collectors now call these X-shaped chairs and armchairs Savonarola chair and Dante chair.
In the 19th century, chairs with X-shaped legs began to be produced industrially. The era of industrialization began and similar pieces of furniture were available to most of the population..
In the twentieth century, designers have repeatedly returned to creating furniture with crossed legs, experimenting with shapes, sizes, upholstery options.
Today, cross-legged chairs and tables are popular as outdoor furniture. Conveniently, such models are traditionally made folding, which allows you to store furniture in a shed or garage in winter without taking up much space..
As you can see, furniture with X-shaped legs does not remain in the past at all, does not look like a rarity, despite its long history. Furnishings with this feature are still in demand by designers and some homeowners who appreciate their beauty and grace..