Important Notice

Wood, lacquer, parcel-gilt, cane
Each 35 x 21 x 18 in (88.9 x 53.3 x 45.7 cm)


Comprising six breathtaking and extremely rare European balloon-back lacquered dining chairs, each with a caned seat, tapering reeded front legs,and elegant scrolling patterns in parcel-gilt on the back, the top rail, apron and sides decorated with intricate chinoiserie decorations in parcel-gilt, and floral motifs on the rear.


Lacquered furniture first became popular in Europe in the 17th century when trade opened up with the Far East, introducing a range of Oriental goods to Europeans. The lacquered pieces, with their intricate designs most often in parcel-gilt, and rich colour, quickly rose to be amongst the most sought-after imported items of furniture. Craftsmen from across Europe began producing Oriental-style furniture, either with lacquer sourced from Japan or through a technique known as 'Japanning' - a European imitation of Oriental lacquering techniques used until the 19th century and later revived during the Art Deco period.

Exquisite examples of lacquered furniture in the style of the present lot can be seen in the collections of Warwick Castle in Warwickshire, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Wood, lacquer, parcel-gilt, cane
Each 35 x 21 x 18 in (88.9 x 53.3 x 45.7 cm)


Comprising six breathtaking and extremely rare European balloon-back lacquered dining chairs, each with a caned seat, tapering reeded front legs,and elegant scrolling patterns in parcel-gilt on the back, the top rail, apron and sides decorated with intricate chinoiserie decorations in parcel-gilt, and floral motifs on the rear.


Lacquered furniture first became popular in Europe in the 17th century when trade opened up with the Far East, introducing a range of Oriental goods to Europeans. The lacquered pieces, with their intricate designs most often in parcel-gilt, and rich colour, quickly rose to be amongst the most sought-after imported items of furniture. Craftsmen from across Europe began producing Oriental-style furniture, either with lacquer sourced from Japan or through a technique known as 'Japanning' - a European imitation of Oriental lacquering techniques used until the 19th century and later revived during the Art Deco period.

Exquisite examples of lacquered furniture in the style of the present lot can be seen in the collections of Warwick Castle in Warwickshire, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.