Brighton Pavilion Chinoiserie Caned Rattan Bamboo Bentwood Boho Arm Chairs

Description

Mid century Chinese Chippendale / Chinoiserie / Brighton Pavilion style chairs made of rattan and bamboo featuring reticulated geometric fretwork design and caned seat.

George IV, as Prince of Wales, first began to lodge in Brighton from the 1780s. At first, he had a modest house known as the Marine Villa, designed by Henry Holland. By the time he became the Prince Regent in 1811, following the decision that his father King George III was no longer fit to rule, he had plans for a much bigger, more extravagant palace.

George was an entertainer and lived an extremely extravagant lifestyle. He needed a bombastic demonstration of his taste, wealth and power, in addition to being large enough to host all of the people and events he had planned. As such, in 1815 he commissioned his favourite architect, John Nash (responsible for much of the design of Regency London), to create his vision.

Chinoiserie had become a popular style from the earlier half of the eighteenth century. From the rococo to Chippendale’s designs in his Directory, chinoiserie was in. George IV took chinoiserie and orientalism to a theatrical scale, using elements of Chinese, Indian and Japanese design. Of course, it was a Western interpretation as he had never actually been to these places…but the Royal Pavilion is a prime example of the fascination with the exotic. By drawing inspiration from foreign lands, George IV was demonstrating his mastery of the globe.

Condition

Fair condition, wear and distressing commensurate with age and use, sagging to seat, some missing / broken rattan / bamboo.

Dimensions

26" x 32"h x 25.5", seat 16"