A fine and rare English chinoiserie-decorated occasional table, circa 1820.
The subject matter is extremely rare in that it depicts Europeans in exotic oriental robes. One is seated with an opium pipe; displayed in a polychrome romantic tropical environment with pavilions, rockwork, trellising, foliage, palms, with a peacock and HoHo bird at their feet.
Note the very rare and charming depiction of these men with beards. In over 67 years we have never encountered a japanned table showing this European feature.
Raised on a gilded, reeded, partly-ebonised column rising from a stylised platform base and spreading, gilded animal...
Category
English Chinoiserie Antique 1820s Side Tables