Sofa by John Henry Belter
Rococo Revival in New York: pierced carving in moulded laminated rosewood.
John Henry Belter (1804–1863) was a German cabinetmaker who patented his method of moulding laminated wood in New York. His parlour furniture became a status symbol in American homes of the 1850s. Examples are in the Metropolitan Museum and the Brooklyn Museum.
Materials: Laminated rosewood, silk upholstery
Manufacture: Thin layers of rosewood glued crosswise and steamed in moulds; then the pattern was sawn and carved.
The pierced carving of roses and grapes in the back is surprisingly thin and strong.
The back is curved in two directions – possible only with laminated wood.