Sumptuously comfortable, the early twentieth century bergère settee or sofa in a black lacquered finish on a solid beech carcass, the chinoiserie decoration depicting figures and landscapes throughout, with double caned back and sides above padded seats on shaped ball and claw feet, the whole in ruby red velvet fabric with large drop in cushions survives from the first quarter of the twentieth century.
Unknown.
The fine art of chinoiserie has been in existence since the 17th century, and it depicts Chinese style designs applied to furniture, ceramics and fabrics. Chinoiserie is wonderfully beautiful, and tends to depict realistic and fictitious animals, insects, people, foliage, structures and various other elaborate Asian designs that can be incorporated into a number of decorating themes. Antique pieces embellished with Asian-style chinoiserie and high-quality japanning are coated with baked-on layers that look very much like modern-day high-gloss enamel. Chinoiserie that has been japanned is coated with many layers of resin-based gloss and baked dry. Much polishing goes into the true technique of japanning, and high-quality pieces will appear to have deep layers of gloss with the sheen of fine marble, but true antique pieces like this will show signs of age and wear.
Gloriously roomy and wallowing in decadent gentility, this is a much sought after breed of period furniture.
Proving comfortable, the lacquered decoration has wear in all of the expected areas, most notably to the arms, and displays a nice healthy patination. The upholstery is worn but could still be retained whilst the frame is solid and importantly the cane work is in very good condition without any punctures present.
By appointment only.
