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Directoire Settees

DIRECTOIRE STYLE

Formed in the wake of the Jacobin Reign of Terror’s bloody guillotine, the Directoire was established to lead France into order through the leadership of a five-member council of directors. It was brief, lasting only from 1795 to 1799, ending with Napoléon Bonaparte’s coup d’état, and was economically tumultuous. Yet it was an essential bridge between the era of Louis XVI and the elaborate Empire style that followed, with Directoire furniture and decorative arts shaped by a royal passion for classical design and an enthusiasm for postrevolutionary France.

Much of the country’s furniture production had halted during the French Revolution when the furniture guilds system was abolished, but during the Directoire period, the cabinetmakers restarted their businesses, such as François-Honoré-Georges and Jacob-Desmalter who established a new workshop called Jacob-Frères. Pieces made in walnut, elm, mahogany and other inexpensive materials incorporated influences ranging from Egypt to Pompeii, with popular forms including the curule armchair based on an ancient Roman design. The aesthetics of the transitional style were more austere than during the monarchy, with court cabinetmaker Jean-Baptiste Sené, for instance, reimagining his workshop’s neoclassical-style furniture with ungilded surfaces and a reduction of ornamentation.

Symbols referencing the revolutionary tenets of liberty, equality and fraternity were frequently carved into Directoire furnishings, such as the Phrygian cap, clasped hands and the fasces, which is an image of a bound bundle of sticks adopted from the Roman Republic, where it was seen as an emblem of strength through unity.

Elements of the French Directoire style continued through Empire style. Designers Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine are credited today as major proponents of both movements. The classically inspired furniture design is represented in pieces such as the boat-shaped daybed and the klismos chair, which endured in French interiors as well as in styles abroad, including American Directoire.

Find a collection of antique ​​Directoire chairs, tables, daybeds, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Directoire
Large Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Récamier Settee in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet
Located in Nashville, TN
And of unusual ( rare ) large dimensions. Matching bolsters for each end. Well worn gilt and paint finish and losses to frame. Well worn paint and gilded finish. Oxidation to the gi...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Giltwood

Large Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Récamier Settee in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet
Large Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Récamier Settee in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet

Large Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Récamier Settee in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet

Early 19th Century Transition Directoire to Empire Style French Settee
Located in Houston, US
Very stylish French settee exhibiting Directoire style transitioning to French Empire style. The settee is painted, but was probably originally in mahogany. It's graceful shape is ac...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Transition Directoire to Empire Style French Settee
Early 19th Century Transition Directoire to Empire Style French Settee

Early 19th Century Transition Directoire to Empire Style French Settee

French Directoire Settee with Painted Garlands, Upholstery and Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire settee from the 19th century with soft creamish yellow painted finish, green accents, painted garlands and linen upholster...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French Directoire Settee with Painted Garlands, Upholstery and Diamond Motifs
French Directoire Settee with Painted Garlands, Upholstery and Diamond Motifs

French Directoire Settee with Painted Garlands, Upholstery and Diamond Motifs

Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This French Directoire style banquette from the turn of the twentieth century features a scrolled seat back detailed with a carved central rosette flanked by palmettes within a class...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Ash

Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee
Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee

Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee

Maison Jansen Rare Stamped Silver Leaf Settee in Black Raw Silk
By Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite and elegant Directoire style silver leaf settee with black raw silk upholstery on tufted back, seat and padded arms, France, 1950s. This settee was likely designed as a spe...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Settees

Materials

Silk, Wood

Maison Jansen Rare Stamped Silver Leaf Settee in Black Raw Silk
Maison Jansen Rare Stamped Silver Leaf Settee in Black Raw Silk

Maison Jansen Rare Stamped Silver Leaf Settee in Black Raw Silk

Antique French Directoire Style Settee ~ Canape
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire style Settee ~ Canape is ideal for a light and airy look, with a minimal footprint for more cozy seating arran...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Settees

Materials

Fabric, Sycamore

Antique French Directoire Style Settee ~ Canape
Antique French Directoire Style Settee ~ Canape

Antique French Directoire Style Settee ~ Canape

French Directoire walnut Sofa Banquette Carved and Inlayed, Early 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Elegant Directoire beech banquette or sofa. Carved inlay wood. The mattress and the base are not included, we can make a slats base. Good antique condition. The upholstery must be...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Walnut

French Directoire walnut Sofa Banquette Carved and Inlayed, Early 19th Century
French Directoire walnut Sofa Banquette Carved and Inlayed, Early 19th Century

French Directoire walnut Sofa Banquette Carved and Inlayed, Early 19th Century

French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion
Located in Montreal, Quebec
A beautiful French country Directoire style banquette bench with yellow velvet cushion Made from sturdy sculpted wood, with the Classic lozenge and flower motif typical of the Direc...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Settees

Materials

Wood

French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion
French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion

French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion

French Bronze Mounted Mahogany Directoire Style Meridienne
Located in Dallas, TX
A very graceful French meridienne in the directoire style.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Settees

French Bronze Mounted Mahogany Directoire Style Meridienne
French Bronze Mounted Mahogany Directoire Style Meridienne

French Bronze Mounted Mahogany Directoire Style Meridienne

18th Century French George Jacob Manner Hand Carved Mahogany Upholstered Sofa
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Firenze, IT
This magnificent French late 18th - early 19th Century (1796 - 1825) sofa hand carved in the manner of Jacob-Desmalter - an influential chairmaker and cabinetmaker who worked for King Louis XVI of...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

18th Century French George Jacob Manner Hand Carved Mahogany Upholstered Sofa
18th Century French George Jacob Manner Hand Carved Mahogany Upholstered Sofa

18th Century French George Jacob Manner Hand Carved Mahogany Upholstered Sofa

Directoire Lyre Back Settee, circa 1880s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Rare and elegant Directoire style lyre-back settee. Original black paint. Newly reupholstered with vintage fabric. Horsehair-filled cushion.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Directoire Lyre Back Settee, circa 1880s
Directoire Lyre Back Settee, circa 1880s

Directoire Lyre Back Settee, circa 1880s

French 19th Century Painted Directoire Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Directorie period petite settee is in wonderful antique condition. Hand carved and built in the early 1800’s, this settee is sturdy and is sure to bring a lot of character t...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Painted Directoire Settee
French 19th Century Painted Directoire Settee

French 19th Century Painted Directoire Settee

Related Items
19th Century Louis XVI Style Giltwood Cream White Canapé
Located in Houston, TX
A Classic and stately 19th century Louis XVI giltwood canapé, newly upholstered in a creamy white ecru mohair silk velvet. Measures: 71.5" L.
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Mohair, Silk, Giltwood, Wood

19th Century Louis XVI Style Giltwood Cream White Canapé
19th Century Louis XVI Style Giltwood Cream White Canapé

19th Century Louis XVI Style Giltwood Cream White Canapé

H 39 in W 71 in D 30 in
Century Furniture Signature Settee French Inspired Black Flocked Loveseat Elkins
By Century Furniture
Located in Dayton, OH
Century Furniture signature settee French inspired black flocked loveseat Elkins Beautifully upholstered in a flocked floral fabric. This settee was the signature model before the...
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Late 20th Century Directoire Settees

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Upholstery

Century Furniture Signature Settee French Inspired Black Flocked Loveseat Elkins
Century Furniture Signature Settee French Inspired Black Flocked Loveseat Elkins

Century Furniture Signature Settee French Inspired Black Flocked Loveseat Elkins

H 36 in W 39 in D 64 in
Upholstered American Window Settee In Mahogany, circa 1850
Located in Miami, FL
This diminutive American window settee with figured mahogany frame and upholstered back and seat is a perfect small bench at the end of a bed. The back i...
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19th Century American Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Mahogany

Upholstered American Window Settee In Mahogany, circa 1850
Upholstered American Window Settee In Mahogany, circa 1850

Upholstered American Window Settee In Mahogany, circa 1850

H 31 in W 41 in D 21 in
French Settee in Red Velvet Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Settee, velvet fabric, stained beech, France, 1930s This exquisite settee of France origin adopts stylistic motifs of the 19th century Victorian Era as can been seen in the ornate ...
Category

1930s French Vintage Directoire Settees

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Velvet, Beech

French Settee in Red Velvet Upholstery
French Settee in Red Velvet Upholstery

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H 36.62 in W 53.15 in D 31.5 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Settee
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very Fine French custom upholstered Settee m with gilt and carved frame having a Ribbon Crest and all over Acanthus Leaf, Scroll and Foliate carving, fluted and tapered round legs, a...
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19th Century Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wood

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Settee
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Settee

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Settee

H 45.25 in W 52 in D 24 in
French Louis XV Style Cane Back Settee
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Large French Louis XV style cane back settee, also called canapé or sofa. Sofa in a very good state, no damage to the cane, rare find. Double-caned s...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Velvet, Cane, Wood

French Louis XV Style Cane Back Settee
French Louis XV Style Cane Back Settee

French Louis XV Style Cane Back Settee

H 39.88 in W 68 in D 29 in
Superb Quality Painted French Louis XVI Settee with Wedgwood Plaque, circa 1900
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delivery needs! They offer a reasonable flat-rate fee for delivery and set up to the ground floor of your home. They deliver to the vast majority of the lower 48 states. They offer a flat rate for most of our items with exclusions for the largest or most complex items such as breakfronts or crystal chandeliers or other items of greater complexity. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase as these rates are different from our stated pricing. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase. Most deliveries to the East Coast will be 295.00, to the mid-west and Southern mid-west 395.00. To the areas west of Kansas 495.00 and the farthest points to the West coast will be 595.00. Again, some areas we can't cover, however we can deliver to most of the lower 48 states so please inquire to be sure! Delivery times range from as fast as 1-4 weeks for the east coast to 5-9 weeks to the farthest areas of the west coast, sometimes longer and sometimes even shorter. If it is a time sensitive purchase, we may be able to accommodate you for a higher price. It is our goal to please each and every one of our customers with the highest standard of service possible. You must realize and accept that we are shipping antique, vintage and quality used furnishings to your home. We cannot control traffic, weather, and acts of God. There will be times when additional patience will be necessary. This is a very special and rare piece of fine antique furniture. The antique white finish...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Walnut

Superb Quality Painted French Louis XVI Settee with Wedgwood Plaque, circa 1900
Superb Quality Painted French Louis XVI Settee with Wedgwood Plaque, circa 1900

Superb Quality Painted French Louis XVI Settee with Wedgwood Plaque, circa 1900

H 36 in W 57 in D 26 in
Important Maison Jansen Velvet and Gilt Canapé, c. 1930s, Signed
By Maison Jansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Maison Jansen settee in emerald green velvet and gilt frame, signed underneath with remnants of Jansen stamp. Incredible collectors piece, wi...
Category

1930s French Vintage Directoire Settees

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Important Maison Jansen Velvet and Gilt Canapé, c. 1930s, Signed
Important Maison Jansen Velvet and Gilt Canapé, c. 1930s, Signed

Important Maison Jansen Velvet and Gilt Canapé, c. 1930s, Signed

H 39.5 in W 53 in D 25 in
Early 20th Century Knole Settee
Located in Folkestone, GB
A beutiful early 20th century Knole Settee with drop ends in the traditional style, handmade with fully jointed original wooden frame. Upholstered some 8 years ago in a high quality ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Directoire Settees

Materials

Fabric

Early 20th Century Knole Settee
Early 20th Century Knole Settee

Early 20th Century Knole Settee

H 34.65 in W 61.82 in D 30.71 in
English Vintage Settee Loveseat
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This incredibly comfortable settee loveseat is from England, circa 1930s, and is freshly upholstered in RM CoCo floral fabric, pattern 2156CB, color...
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1930s English Vintage Directoire Settees

Materials

Fabric

English Vintage Settee Loveseat
English Vintage Settee Loveseat

English Vintage Settee Loveseat

H 32.5 in W 56.75 in D 38 in
French 19th-20th Century Louis XVI Style Giltwood Carved Settee, François Linke
By François Linke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine french 19th-20th century Louis XVI style giltwood carved settee by François Linke (d. 1946). The finely carved frame, upholstered in a recent cream fabric, topped with an...
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Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Fabric, Giltwood

French 19th-20th Century Louis XVI Style Giltwood Carved Settee, François Linke
French 19th-20th Century Louis XVI Style Giltwood Carved Settee, François Linke

French 19th-20th Century Louis XVI Style Giltwood Carved Settee, François Linke

H 47.5 in W 78.25 in D 39 in
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Painted Settee Bench
Located in Round Top, TX
The enduring beauty of Swedish styling is timeless in this lovely gustavian settee. Note the delightful carved details include swags and tapered feet of the base. We have layed new l...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Paint, Wood

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Painted Settee Bench
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Painted Settee Bench

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Painted Settee Bench

H 31.5 in W 74 in D 24 in
Previously Available Items
French 19th Century Directoire Style Settee
Located in Buchanan, NY
This stunning French 19th century settee, styled in the Directoire manner, is a testament to timeless elegance. The wooden frame, still bearing remnants of its original blue-painted ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Upholstery

French 19th Century Directoire Style Settee
French 19th Century Directoire Style Settee

French 19th Century Directoire Style Settee

H 35 in W 56 in D 36 in
French 19th Century Painted Directoire Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Directorie period petite settee is in wonderful antique condition. Hand carved and built in the early 1800’s, this settee is sturdy and is sure to bring a lot of character t...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Painted Directoire Settee
French 19th Century Painted Directoire Settee

French 19th Century Painted Directoire Settee

H 35 in W 37 in D 22.5 in
Antique French Directoire Styled Settee with Hand-Carved Giltwood Accents
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This settee shows no maker's signature, but presumed to have originated from France and dating to approximately 1900 and done in a Directoire style. The printed cream fabric is frame...
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Early 20th Century French Directoire Settees

Materials

Fabric, Giltwood

Antique French Directoire Styled Settee with Hand-Carved Giltwood Accents
Antique French Directoire Styled Settee with Hand-Carved Giltwood Accents

Antique French Directoire Styled Settee with Hand-Carved Giltwood Accents

H 29.5 in W 48 in D 22.5 in
18th Century French Directoire Settee With A Painted Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
A French period Directoire canape, settee with an old panted finish is very comfortable and stylish. It has been recently upholstered in a linen fabric, but we sell our pieces for t...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Wood

18th Century French Directoire Settee With A Painted Finish
18th Century French Directoire Settee With A Painted Finish

18th Century French Directoire Settee With A Painted Finish

H 39 in W 46.25 in D 33 in
19th Century French Directoire Painted Wood and Cane Daybed Settee
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A late 19th century French Directoire daybed, the carved frame painted in green and blue and upholstered matress in toile de jouy. The metal base is supported on wooden batons which can be easily removed. All sides in original double cane work and all in perfect condition. Very decorative item. The dimensions are: Height: 90.5cm (35.6in) Width: 155cm (61.0in) Depth: 69cm (27.2in) Very comfortable seating and a rather pleasing example. This French painted daybed is in good antique condition throughout with no signs of age. This daybed or sofa remain in good, clean condition. The antique painted daybed...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century French Directoire Painted Wood and Cane Daybed Settee
19th Century French Directoire Painted Wood and Cane Daybed Settee

19th Century French Directoire Painted Wood and Cane Daybed Settee

H 35.63 in W 61.03 in D 27.17 in
Pair of French Early 20th Century Painted Directoire-Style Banquettes
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning pair of painted and upholstered banquettes from early 20th century France. The pair have beautifully carved details covering their cream-painted frames which have been acc...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Pair of French Early 20th Century Painted Directoire-Style Banquettes
Pair of French Early 20th Century Painted Directoire-Style Banquettes

Pair of French Early 20th Century Painted Directoire-Style Banquettes

H 25 in W 46.5 in L 25 in
Early 18th Century Walnut Antique Rustic Bench
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Antique Italian bench 1700s. The bench is made of solid walnut wood. Refined seat in silk. Excellent antique good conditions of the wood, some si...
Category

Early 1700s Italian Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Walnut

Early 18th Century Walnut Antique Rustic Bench
Early 18th Century Walnut Antique Rustic Bench

Early 18th Century Walnut Antique Rustic Bench

H 20.08 in W 61.82 in D 17.33 in
18th Century Italian Directoire Walnut Antique Settee or Bench with Silk Seat
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Antique bench 1790s in full directoire era. The bench is made of solid walnut wood. Refined seat in silk. Excellent antique good conditions of the wood,...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Italian Directoire Walnut Antique Settee or Bench with Silk Seat
18th Century Italian Directoire Walnut Antique Settee or Bench with Silk Seat

18th Century Italian Directoire Walnut Antique Settee or Bench with Silk Seat

H 34.65 in W 50.01 in D 19.69 in
18th Century French Directoire Period Cherry Ladder-Back Settee or Radassier
Located in Birmingham, AL
A handsome 18th century Country French Directoire period settee or radassier handcrafted in solid cherry near Marseille in the South of France, circa 1790s. This double arm bench...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Rush, Cherry

18th Century French Directoire Period Cherry Ladder-Back Settee or Radassier
18th Century French Directoire Period Cherry Ladder-Back Settee or Radassier

18th Century French Directoire Period Cherry Ladder-Back Settee or Radassier

H 39.5 in W 70.5 in D 21.5 in
Exclusive Italian ‘Directoire’ Two-Seat Sofa by Selva in Solid Beech and Leather
By Selva
Located in Voorburg, NL
Exclusive and stylish black leather sofa in ‘Directoire’ style handmade by the Italian company Selva in the 1990s (marked). The frame is in solid beech and very nicely made. The lea...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Directoire Settees

Materials

Leather, Beech

Exclusive Italian ‘Directoire’ Two-Seat Sofa by Selva in Solid Beech and Leather
Exclusive Italian ‘Directoire’ Two-Seat Sofa by Selva in Solid Beech and Leather

Exclusive Italian ‘Directoire’ Two-Seat Sofa by Selva in Solid Beech and Leather

H 34.65 in W 47.25 in D 25.2 in
Continental Directoire Beechwood Settee
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Continental Directoire beechwood settee with lyre shaped back splats, early circa 19th century.
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Directoire Settees

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Beech

Continental Directoire Beechwood Settee
Continental Directoire Beechwood Settee

Continental Directoire Beechwood Settee

H 35 in W 35.5 in D 20 in
Pair Rare Italian Carved Griffin Directoire Genuine Gold Leaf Settee Sofas C1960
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic pair of French Directoire style, Italian-made settees or sofas. They are each carved with griffins and traditional French element and graceful taste. The frames a...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Directoire Settees

Materials

Beech

Pair Rare Italian Carved Griffin Directoire Genuine Gold Leaf Settee Sofas C1960
Pair Rare Italian Carved Griffin Directoire Genuine Gold Leaf Settee Sofas C1960

Pair Rare Italian Carved Griffin Directoire Genuine Gold Leaf Settee Sofas C1960

H 36 in W 75 in L 36 in

Directoire settees for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Directoire settees for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage settees created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, silk and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire settees made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original settees, popular names associated with this style include and Maison Jansen. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for settees differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,680 and tops out at $12,000 while the average work can sell for $3,840.

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