An English black lacquered chinoiserie cabinet on stand, 18th century and later, the two door cabinet well painted in raised lacquer work with hunting scenes, pagodas in landscapes, cockerels, and mythical beasts; with engraved brass corners and lockplate. The interior later fitted with ten drawers, raised on a later intricately carved Charles II style silvered stand. 80.91 in. high, 43.70 in. wide, 21.65 in. deep. provenance: Contents of Toorak mansion, Trawalla.
- Provenance - A term used to describe the provable history of an antique or work of art, and thus an additional aid to verifying its authenticity. Provenance can have an inflating effect on the price of an item, particularly if the provenance relates to the early settlement of Australia, a famous person, or royalty. Less significant are previous sales of the item through an auction house or dealer.
- 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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