A pair of X-shaped folding stools, late 19th century

A pair of Louis XV style folding stools
Carved and painted wood
Italy late 19th century
They are upholstered with cushions filled with feathers, in mohair velvet and adorned with trimmings.

These folding stools named "ployants" are loosely inspired by those supplied to Madame Elisabeth, daughter of Louis XV, Duchess of Parma, for her palace in Colorno. The sculpted uprights feature an asymmetrical decoration of leafy volutes, resting on pad feet.

X-shaped stools were the ultimate court seats, with their usage regulated by protocol. According to custom, courtiers were not allowed to sit in the presence of the sovereigns. However, during the reign of Louis XIII in the French court, certain Ladies of title were granted the exceptional privilege of sitting in the presence of the queen : on stools. They were referred to as 'seated women' or 'tabouret,' and this coveted prerogative restricted to princesses of the royal bloodline, duchesses, and foreign princesses.