What is red chinoiserie furniture?

Red chinoiserie furniture consists of wooden items finished in red lacquer and painted with decorative Oriental motifs. It includes items made in China as well as English pieces decorated in the japanned style. These pieces range from large wedding cabinets and bureau bookcases down to small tables, mirrors, and folding screens.

How do I care for lacquered surfaces?

Lacquered surfaces require gentle maintenance to preserve the finish and painted decoration. Dusting with a soft, dry cloth is usually sufficient for regular upkeep. Avoid placing these items in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as extreme temperature changes can affect the wood and lacquer.

What periods do these pieces come from?

The pieces span the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, covering Victorian, Edwardian, and 1930s production. Some items originate from the Chinese Qing dynasty during the nineteenth century, while others are British interpretations made in the 1890s and 1920s.

Where were these items made?

Origin points include workshops in China, such as Fujian, producing export lacquerware. At the same time, English cabinet makers produced japanned and chinoiserie items locally. Both traditions utilised layered lacquer and painted decoration, resulting in distinct visual styles between British and Chinese pieces.

What forms do these items take?

Common forms include standing cabinets, side cabinets, corner cupboards, and wedding chests designed for storage. Display cabinets, bureau bookcases, and nests of tables also appear frequently. Other functional items include games tables, lowboys, elbow chairs, settees, mirrors, and multi-panel room dividers.