The rectangular open latticework back with a gently shaped crest rail centering a thistle motif, representing Scotland: supported by out-flaring shaped uprights. The back is centered by a carved "X" form motif centering a carved flower. The out-flaring arms sinuously shaped and terminating to a small carved scroll, the sides with incised carving. Supported on square shaped front legs, each carved with blind fret and with plain, out-flaring rear legs. Now covered with early 18th-century French needlework.

Circa 1760-1770

Provenance: Firle Place, East Sussex. Originally part of a set of eight; six remain at Firle today.

The needlework, which dates to the first quarter of the 18th-century, with its exotic figures, fantastic beasts & plants is of Berainesque inspiration.  French needlework like the present example has come to be called ‘St. Cyr’ embroidery – after the work done by the convent school at St. Cyr., which was founded by Mme. De Maintenon (1635-1719) shortly after she married Louis XIV in 1683.