Carved French chateau walnut settle/monks bench, early 19th century.

Carved Louis XVIII French Chateau settle dating from early 19th century. Also referred to as a monks bench this fine example carries a wonderfully aged and worn look in all the right places with a delightful patina showing the age and history evocative of the early gothic revival, circa 1820. The stunning high back with its profiled cornice and rose ended capital of the settle embraces the winged dragons which are symmetrically carved towards each other, this then flows down onto the arms which boast two beautiful dragon figureheads. Overseen by four sculpted gargoyles acting as corbels. The seat-pad is also supported by a pair of the same detailed character heads. The bench lid lifts up, supported by two finial detailed hinges to reveal a great storage space suited for most purposes.