As early as the 1690s, the rigid symmetries of the Louis XIV style began to be modified, especially in the work of designer, J. Berain. The resulting Regence style was the first phase of the French Rococo. Our Jean Berain chair is a true expression of this period, where furniture became less formal and more comfortable, and its decoration began to rely on such naturalistic images as shells and flowers. (The cushion comes standard 50/50 down and feather over a seat core.)