Chinoiserie lacquered and carved wooden bench, England, early 20th century

Chinoiserie lacquered and carved wooden bench, England, early 20th century Dimensions: W 82 x D 40 x H 42. Lower cushion H 31 cm; wooden structure H 23 cm Price: confidential negotiation Object accompanied by a certificate of authenticity This particular bench was made in England in the early 20th century. The wooden structure, lacquered in polychrome with chinoiserie and gilded on a dark background, has a line inspired by oriental furnishings. The under-seat band, lacquered in black, features a decoration with gold thread and geometric motifs in gold and lacquer, interspersed with polychrome floral still lifes on the sides, and a composition of vegetal elements in the center, in the characteristic chinoiserie style. The four legs are arched and curved, with carvings of small volutes and rounded feet. They are also lacquered in black and decorated with gold thread and phytomorphic and floral decorations in Chinese taste. The bench is equipped with a first cushion, fixed to the structure with metal tacks. A second cushion is sewn on top. Very decorative, it can be easily placed in any environment. The term Chinoiserie derives from the French "Chinoiserie" and refers to a period of European art, starting from the 18th century and spread until the 19th century, in which there was a significant influence of Chinese art, also in the wake of a growing interest that Europe had developed for everything that was exotic, in general. This period was characterized by the use of imaginative images of an imaginary China and the palaces and living rooms of the nobility and wealthy bourgeoisie were soon furnished with objects from the Far East or made in Europe with evident derivation and inspiration from Chinese ornaments. In England, as in the rest of Europe, the vogue for China and chinoiserie was very fashionable in the eighteenth century. This taste continued to be appreciated in the following century and even in the early years of the twentieth century, and then returned to be appreciated today for its decorativeness and for the fascination with the Orient.