19TH CENTURY

These five panels decorated with Chinoiserie motifs demonstrate the longevity and international popularity of the style. The figures, isolated within their own vignettes that interconnect with scrolling vines, are inspired by the figures and scenes of Jean Pillement's The Ladies Amusement which was published in 1762 (see D. Jacobson, Chinoiserie, 1993, p. 79). It is likely that these five panels were originally intended as wall coverings, much like printed or painted wall paper of the period. With their brown grounds, it is interesting to note that they also relate to Soho Chinoiserie tapestries of the 18th Century as well as Chinese coromandel and lacquer screens made for export. Perhaps the epitomy of Chinoiserie wall-coverings in the manner of Pillement is demonstrated by the follies that cover the walls of the Porcelain Room at Portici, the palace of the King and Queen of Naples.