Lacquer Tier Side Table
A lacquer tier side table brings a striking surface and tiered display space into a room, drawing on centuries of decorative tradition.
Lacquer Tier Side Table
A lacquer tier side table combines multiple display surfaces with glossy decorated finishes, frequently taking the form of occasional tables, etageres, and sewing tables. These pieces serve functional roles beside seating while introducing decorative motifs to an interior.
You are most likely to meet Victorian and 1930s examples on this page, alongside pieces from the Regency period, 1880, 1890, and 1920. Styles range across Chinoiserie, Aesthetic Movement, and French Neoclassical.
The construction frequently involves bamboo frames or ebonised wood supporting tiered panels. Many items feature black, gilt, and red decoration reflecting Eastern design influences.
How they were made
Makers utilised bamboo, ebonised wood, and various hardwoods as the structural framework for these tiered tables. Brass mounts, tooled leather inserts, and gilt details were incorporated to enhance the decorative scheme.
Surfaces received applied lacquer or japanning techniques to build up glossy protective layers. Artisans then applied painted ornamentation, often featuring black, gilt, and red decoration characteristic of Chinoiserie and Japonisme.
Tiger bamboo makes an appearance, bringing a stripe of wild jungle aesthetic straight into the Victorian parlour.
What varies in quality
The refinement of the painted and lacquered panels separates standard items from exceptional examples. Finely executed Chinoiserie and Japonisme scenes with crisp giltwork demonstrate greater artisanal skill than plain painted surfaces.
The choice of structural material also influences the character of the piece, with tiger bamboo frames and robust hardwoods providing distinct visual and tactile qualities compared to simpler softwood structures.
The Lacquer Tier Side Table Glossary
- Etagere
- A piece of furniture consisting of a set of open shelves for displaying small objects. These tiered tables function as practical side surfaces while offering multiple display levels.
- Japanning
- A European imitation of East Asian lacquer work, produced by applying layers of varnish and heat-curing them. It creates a hard, glossy dark surface often finished with gilt decoration.
- Aesthetic Movement
- A late 19th-century design philosophy emphasising art for art's sake and drawing heavily on Japanese artistic traditions. Furniture from this period frequently incorporates bamboo and asymmetrical forms.
- Chinoiserie
- European interpretation and imitation of Chinese artistic traditions and motifs, popular in furniture and decorative arts. It relies on pictorial scenes of figures, landscapes, and pavilions rendered in gold and colour on dark grounds.
- Tiger bamboo
- A mottled, patterned variety of bamboo utilised for structural frames in late 19th-century furniture. Its distinct natural markings give the bamboo a textured, decorative appearance.
Lacquer Tier Side Table: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lacquer tier side table used for?
These tables provide a compact surface for lamps, books, or decorative objects while offering additional lower shelves for storage and display.
Their multi-tiered design makes them practical beside seating or in smaller corners where space is at a premium.
How do I identify a Victorian bamboo table?
Victorian bamboo pieces often date from the 1880s and 1890s, aligning with the Aesthetic Movement and Japonisme revival.
They typically feature natural or tiger bamboo frames combined with lacquered panels or japanned surfaces.
What does Chinoiserie mean on these tables?
Chinoiserie refers to European decorative schemes inspired by Chinese art, featuring painted scenes of landscapes, figures, or architecture.
On these tables, you will often find black, gilt, and red decoration applied to the panels and tiers.
How do I care for a lacquered surface?
Lacquered and japanned surfaces require gentle dusting with a soft, dry cloth to protect the glossy finish from scratches.
Keep these tables away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture to preserve the painted details and wooden structure.