An imposing piece of furniture with an orthogonal and architectural structure, originating from the Franciscan monastery of Santo António do Varatojo (Torres Vedras), founded in 1470 by King Afonso V (1438-1481). Associated with the king by the Order’s chroniclers, this armchair is one of the oldest known examples of Portuguese furniture.

Its careful conservation by successive generations of Franciscan friars must be considered, above all, as a way of preserving the memory of the monastery’s royal foundation: this “ceremonial armchair” enjoyed very powerful symbolism through its connections with the royal power.