Vintage Chinoiserie rattan and bamboo reed plant stand, with burnt tortoise shell coloring. Mid-century to 1970s. Measures 8 inches in height x 9 inches in depth and 7 inches in width.
The Antiquary's Story:
Chinoiserie is the Western interpretation of Eastern design, derived “chinois,” which is French for “Chinese.” It is a European decorative style that imitates the art and design of China, Japan and other Asian countries.
In a time when travel was seldom, people relied on art, objects and word-of-mouth to learn about far away lands. This style was used widely throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Even Louis XIV embraced this decor trend, with the Trianon de Porcelaine at Versailles, the first Chinoiserie building in Europe.
The style itself encompasses porcelains, textiles, furniture and art. Often we see dragons, garden scenes, pagoda tiers, bamboo and lacquered wood. Returning during the mid-19th century, it brought color, pattern and movement to a room of any size.