An Italian Elaborately Carved Giltwood X-Frame Stool, Circa 1780.

Further readings and sources:

1. During the 18th century, the Piedmont region was an important center of furniture production in Italy. Piedmontese furniture is known for its elegant and refined style, which often includes intricate carvings and decorative motifs.

   Piedmontese furniture makers were influenced by French and Italian styles, as well as the Neoclassical movement that was popular throughout Europe during the late 18th century. The furniture produced in Piedmont during this time was often made from high-quality materials such as mahogany, walnut, and cherry wood, and was characterized by its attention to detail and craftsmanship. ↩

2. “pliant” is an English translation of the French word “pliant” or “pliante,” which means “folding” or “foldable.” In furniture terms, a pliant is a type of stool or chair that can be easily folded for storage or transportation. ↩
3. Stools played an important role in the hierarchical seating arrangements of Royal courts, which followed a strict and complex protocol. Depending on the rank of the company–which would include members of the royal family, courtiers, and dignitaries–one remained standing or was assigned a floor cushion (carreau), stool, or, rarely, a side chair. Armchairs were reserved for the king and the queen. Large numbers of stools were listed in royal inventories; one type, called pliant, had an X-shaped frame that could conveniently be folded. ↩
4. Similar stool in the collection of the Met Museum Folding stool (pliant) (one of a pair) French, Paris ca. 1735–39 https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/231976 ↩
5. Similar pair of stools Christies 2017 Pair Of Royal North Italian Giltwood Pliants Probably Parma, Circa 1750 https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6069157/ ↩
6. Similar stool Sotheby’s, Steinitz, Paris, A Louis XV giltwood pliant possibly North Italian, circa 1740 http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2017/collections-european-decorative-arts-n09617/lot.90.html ↩