Are familiar with this chair’s name? This is called a Butaka, a piece of furniture that is respite, birthing clinic, and time machine rolled into one stylish yet functional piece in traditional Filipino homes.
The Butaka is a handcrafted chair usually the size of 70cm x 57cm x 118cm and made of Narra hardwood. Its long armrests weren’t really meant for arms; they were used for legs.
It was commonly called the “lazy chair” of rich families during Spanish era. Hacienderos sat on the Butaka as their resting chair after a day’s work in the fields and lands. It was also used as a home style birthing bed, the rests passing for the more modern stirrups we have now at birthing hospitals.
The chair’s style is Luis Quince-style sillon peresoza. This is common among lounging chairs found in Spanish Colonial Era in the Philippines. The seat is double caned ovate-shaped back with scroll arms with extended armrest on slightly curved stumps.
The crown and crest are carved with lotus and foliate carved openwork with central cartouche. The legs are reinforced with metal strips splayed on the front and rear legs.
References:
“Lounging Chair/Butaka/Planter’s Chair”. http://masterpieces.asemus.museum/masterpiece/detail.nhn?objectId=10195
“DISCOVER PHILIPPINES: BUTAKA”. https://steemit.com/untalented-adjustments/@shulammite/discover-philippines-butaka
https://www.canva.com/design/DAEBxUuVi1E/3iViGxtbJizf2v7G-8mbBg/edit