Italian Renaissance Revival Carved Fruitwood Fantasy Rocking Chair

fourth quarter 19th century, the crest with a maiden's portrait bust above the backboard, with a central accented carved plaque and flanked by dragons, the arm rests and sides depicting fully carved lions, the seat upholstered in pierced tooled leather. An apparently identical rocking chair, marked "Anti Brothers Vicenza Italy" was exhibited in the 1892 Worlds Columbian Exhibition, Chicago, IL
h. 42", w. 27", d. 49"

In good "as found" condition. The surface is thin, with scratches, scrapes and wear. Normal shrinkage throughout. The finish is worn and thin. There are some chips and losses to the edge of carved surfaces, the most notable being a loss to a toe on the inside edge of one back foot and abrasions to the edges of a roundel. The joints are loose at the glue joints. There are some areas of filler in the body of one of the lions. Near the rear of each arm, on the outside edge, there is evidence of a missing roundel, about 2" diameter. There is a long, shallow sliver loss along the front edge of the front stretcher between the rockers. There is some minor insect damage throughout. No apparent signs of active infestation. The embossed upholstery is dirty but in good condition.