An Early 20thC Chinoiserie Lacquer Decorated & Painted Desk c.1920-25

Object Description

The hugely decorative chinoiserie lacquered and ivory gold painted desk of serpentine form, decorated all-over with richly decorated chinoiserie scenes in polychrome on a warm, time-softened ground, depicting figures in garden landscapes interspersed with floral motifs, scrolling foliage, and ornamental borders in low relief, having a shaped top with moulded edge over a kneehole with five jade green paper lined drawers each fitted with original pierced brass handles and escutcheons, the whole raised on slender cabriole legs terminating in club feet, surviving from the first quarter of twentieth century England.

Object History

Unknown.

Object Literature

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.

Overall, this is a highly characterful and visually arresting writing desk, rich in surface, texture, and narrative. Its timeworn chinoiserie decoration, elegant proportions, and honest wear make it an ideal piece for a country house interior or layered, collected setting, where patina and storytelling are prized above perfection.

Object Condition

The condition of the desk is completely original and very much of the country house, i.e. lived in but thoroughly evocative of its story so far. The decoration continues uninterrupted across the drawer fronts, sides, and legs, creating a cohesive and immersive surface. There is visible craquelure, rubbing, losses, and fading to the painted decoration, particularly to the writing surface and edges, consistent with age and prolonged use. These signs of wear lend the piece a wonderful patina and depth rather than detracting from its presence. The structure is sound, with the drawers running well, and the hardware is original aside from one handle that is a later replacement.

Object Details