Object Description
A very decorative 19th century stool in the chinoiserie taste, the circular frame carved to simulate bamboo in the Regency Brighton Pavilion manner, retaining traces its original painted and gilt decoration and covered in modern imperial yellow chinoiserie-inspired damask, evoking the sumptuous 19th century silks.
Why we like it
A rather unusual design, inspired by the Oriental exoticism, promoted by the Prince Regent’s whimsical confection of the Brighton Pavilion. A wonderfully pretty piece to add a playful accent to a room.
History
The young Prince of Wales (future King George IV) was often described as having a wildly extravagant taste in decorating his palaces. As early as 1801, the Prince had been completely taken by Oriental tastes and began to expand his existing coastal Brighton retreat.
Having been presented a gift of Chinese wallpaper, he ordered a “Chinese Gallery” to display the new paper. The 162-foot long Chinese “passage room” was contrived of painted glass decorated with flowers, insects, fruit and birds. And in 1802, the “Chinese Gallery” was further furnished with “bamboo furniture” – some of Chinese manufacture in bamboo, and others English imitations.