Indo-Dutch: Burgomaster Chair

The name of the Burgomaster Chair is derived from the Dutch word ‘burgemeester’, which translates into ‘mayor’, attributing a higher status to this chair. This chair, popularly known as a round chair, was made in the East Indies - Indonesia, South India, and Sri Lanka - since the late 1600s while India was under the Dutch East India Company, and attained its name ‘Burgomaster’ only in the 19th century. Initially used as single, standalone pieces, they were also found in sets of four or six which suggests that these chairs were not always suggestive of rank.

This chair is made of wood, probably teak, and a cane seat that stands on six cabriole legs. The circular, cane seat is backed by a concave, open backrest that consists of two rows of evenly spaced spindles. The finials are devoid of heavy ornamental carvings, an otherwise common stylistic element of such chairs.