Set of 6 Biedermeier Oxhead Chairs, South Germany 1820, Antique

Set of 6 Biedermeier Oxhead Chairs, South Germany 1820.

This exquisite set of 6 original antique Biedermeier oxhead chairs is a rare find. The so called original Biedermeier oxhead chairs (German: Ochsenkopf Stühle) get their name from their beautifully designed back, which allude to ox or bull horns. A gorgeous walnut veneer additionally embellishes these original antique chairs.

They date back to around 1820-30 and come from Southern Germany.

Biedermeier Chairs are exemplars of easily integrable antique furniture pieces. Whether matching them with a table or curating a seating arrangement in a dining or living room, Biedermeier chairs are a great addition to any interior style. They embody the kind of simplicity that is both decorative and and a great fit for an understated interior.

We offer an identical set of four Biedermeier chairs, which could be added to the set of six for a larger dining room setting. Additionally, we offer two matching armchairs, which originally also belonged to the set.

Details

The 6 Biedermeier dining chairs come refinished with a shellack finish and have a new upholstery. The ox head chairs measure Height: 32.88 in. (83.5 cm), Width: 20.87 in. (53 cm), Depth: 17.33 in. (44 cm), Seat Height: 18.12 in. (46 cm). 

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Oxhead Chairs in the Biedermeier Period: A Timeless Statement of Elegance

The Biedermeier period (1815–1848) was a time of refined simplicity in European furniture design, emphasizing clean lines, functional beauty, and high-quality craftsmanship. Among the most distinctive creations of this era are the Oxhead chairs, named for their characteristic backrest shape that resembles the curved horns of an ox.

The Unique Design of Oxhead Chairs

Oxhead chairs embody the essence of Biedermeier aesthetics, combining elegance with comfort. Their defining feature is a sweeping, curved backrest that flares out at the top, evoking the silhouette of an ox’s head. This striking yet harmonious form offers both visual interest and ergonomic support.

Typically crafted from warm-toned woods like walnut, cherry, or birch, these chairs often feature hand-polished veneers, delicate inlays, and graceful tapered legs. Upholstered seats, sometimes covered in fine silk or horsehair fabric, enhance both the beauty and usability of the piece.

Symbolism and Influence

The Oxhead chair’s bold yet balanced design reflects the Biedermeier era’s appreciation for natural materials, craftsmanship, and restrained ornamentation. Unlike the heavily carved Rococo or Baroque styles that preceded it, Biedermeier furniture embraced streamlined elegance, influencing later movements like Art Deco and Modernism.

Today, antique Biedermeier Oxhead chairs remain highly sought after by collectors and interior designers. Whether placed around a dining table, used as an accent chair, or displayed in a study, these pieces bring a touch of historic charm and refined sophistication to any space.