Stunning 19th century tilt top occasional table, with shaped rectangular, decorated with a scene of figures and temple in chinoiserie, on baluster support on three shaped splayed legs, makers mark P.N//1539//P.R., 27.17 in. x 25.20 in. x 20.08 in.
- Baluster (furniture) - An architectural term for a column in a balustrade or staircase, often defined as a "vase shape". The shape is extensively used in furniture and decorative arts.
In furniture, it is used to describe a chair or table leg turned in that form, or more usually as an inverted baluster, with the bulbous section to the top. Less commonly used to describe a chair back that has the outline of a baluster. A baluster may also be split and applied to the front of a cupboard for ornamentation.
For ceramics and silver items it is often used to describe the shape of the whole item, rather than a part.
In Georgian glassware, the shape is commonly seen in the stem of glasses.
- Chinoiserie - Furniture and decorative items decorated in imitation of a Western interpretation of the Chinese style. The Chinoiserie style first became popular in the late 17th century, though there were frequent revivals, notably by Chippendale (hence 'Chinese Chippendale') during the Regency period, and the Anglo-Japanese style in the second half of the 19th century.
The ubiquitous 'willow pattern' is the most common 'Chinese' theme used in porcelain, while on furniture the Chinoiserie style usually has black or red painted and lacquered decoration, though the hallmark of the furniture style is the use of fretwork in geometrical patterns, pagodas and other decorative forms.
Japonaiseries, as the name implies, are motifs in imitation of the Japanese taste.
See also "Chinese Chippendale".
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