Taboret

A taboret (also spelled tabouret or tabourette) refers to two different pieces of furniture: a cabinet or a stool.

The popular sense refers to a small portable stand or cabinet, with drawers and shelves for storage. It is used as a method to bring organization to a work area. This name for a portable cabinet is common to artists. In the context of a the Arts and Crafts Movement, a taboret is a stand for a plant or a beverage.

As a stool, it refers to a short stool without a back or arms. The name is derived from its resemblance to a drum (diminutive of Old French tabour).[1]

A highly prized stool

Empire style tabourets in the Château de Fontainebleau

The tabouret acquired a more specialized meaning in 17th century France at the court of Louis XIV in Versailles. Sitting in the presence of the royal family was a much coveted honor, and the tabouret was the way to do it. The court tabouret was an elaborate, upholstered stool with curved wooden legs and tassels, carried by a liveried and wigged servant. The duchess was automatically granted the honor of sitting in front of the queen. In fact, this stool became such a symbol of privilege that when Louis XIV's mother, the Regent Anne of Austria granted the tabouret to two non-duchesses, such a storm of protest was raised that she had to revoke them.

References

  1. ↑ "tabouret". Oxford English Dictionary (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. September 2005.