Lot 344 | GIFTS FROM THE EAST WITH THE INCREASE IN SEABORNE TRADE IN THE 1660'S, AND THE EAST INDIA COMPANY'S NEW ESTABLISHED SHIPPING ROUTES IN THE FAR EAST AT THAT TIME, THE POPULARITY FOR ORIENTAL GOODS IN EUROPE ROSE CONSIDERABLY. AMONGST THE PRIZED ITEMS TO RETURN FROM THE FAR EAST WERE LACQUERED CABINETS, CHESTS, WALLPAPER AND PORCELAIN. THE FINEST CABINET WORK WAS DECORATED WITH UP TO A HUNDRED COATS OF LACQUER, RESULTING IN AN EXCEPTIONAL FINISH. THE POPULARITY OF THESE 'GIFTS FROM THE EAST' WITH THEIR LAVISHLY DECORATED SURFACES LED TO THE WIDESPREAD IMITATION OF ORIENTAL DECORATION IN ENGLAND AND THROUGHOUT EUROPE. AS THE EUROPEAN DEMAND FOR EASTERN FURNITURE ROSE, THE OUTPUT OF CHINESE WORKSHOPS MAKING FURNITURE FOR THE EUROPEAN MARKET INCREASED CONSIDERABLY. FORMS REMOVED FROM TRADITIONAL CABINET MAKING CAME ONTO THE MARKET THAT, ALTHOUGH MADE FOR WESTERN LIVING, STILL RETAINED THEIR ORIENTAL CHARM. Read more