While some people like to think it is the claw of a Griffin (mystical dragon creature that dates back to the 1500's) it is undoubtedly the claw of an eagle...even if it was the claw of a griffin because they were believed to have the body of a lion with the claws,head and wings of an eagle. Regardless of what creature it is modeled after the claw-and-ball foot is one of the most intricate furniture designs to master, and one of the scariest to me as a child.
As a child I had nightmares that out furniture would come alive and crawl around the house with those creepy talons.... As I have grown up I have come to appreciate it a bit more. It is one of the most difficult carvings for a craftsman to master, because if it is not perfect it just doesn't work... The claw-and-ball foot started appearing on furniture in the early 1700's typically with a Cabriole style leg. In England these feet became popular on mahogany wing chairs during the reigns of Queen Anne and George I. On this side of the pond claw-and-ball feet became the staple foot of the American "Chippendale" period. The claw-and-ball foot also started replacing the pad food on high chests-of-drawers in the mid to late 1700's. Most crafted in and around Philadelphia by immigrants that had apprenticed under European Rococo furniture makers. This style became extremely popular in American cities among the gentrified set.
Over a hundred years later this popular foot found itself propping up cast iron tubs and today it remains a symbol of fine craftsmanship. Today the claw-and-ball foot is no longer shown off with just a lovely stain...they are getting delicate patina finishes and fresh lacquer finishes that help bring this classic foot into a new generation of furnishings. Instead of classic upholstery patterns antiques are also getting a new life with more updated fabrics like the pink claw-and-ball footed daybed.
Kohler's even updated their classic claw foot tub for the new generation
However, the most refreshing thing to happen to the classic claw-and-ball is Virgina based wood crafter Jake Cress. One time actor turned woodworker, Jake, has made my childhood nightmare a piece of art with his whimsical take on traditional furniture.
Even trend setters Arteriors Home are nodding at the historical foot with their Lola Table
Eagle or Griffin call it what you will, but this somewhat scary foot is here to stay...
photos: Jake Cress, Arteriors Home, Hickory Chair, Reeves Antiques, WoodWorkingTag, The Ball and Claw.
Over a hundred years later this popular foot found itself propping up cast iron tubs and today it remains a symbol of fine craftsmanship. Today the claw-and-ball foot is no longer shown off with just a lovely stain...they are getting delicate patina finishes and fresh lacquer finishes that help bring this classic foot into a new generation of furnishings. Instead of classic upholstery patterns antiques are also getting a new life with more updated fabrics like the pink claw-and-ball footed daybed.
2 comments:
It's a dragon's claw clutching a pearl.
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