The etagere listed on the d-vers.com website is an example of Orientalism, which was popular in France in the 19th Century. Orientalism generally refers to the imitation by French artisans of Chinese styles of decoration, such as can be seen in this etagere.
The design of the etagere, including the use of black lacquered wood for the piece, would fit it into the category of Orientalism in France.
Additionally, the gilded scene on the top of this etagere is defined as chinoiserie. This particular design shows, as do other works of chinoiserie, life in China that did not exist and was idealized and fanciful.
The design on the top of the etagere shows a Chinese village, with trees surrounding it, and several people by a river below. The people appear to be far away from one another, but are about the same size.
While aesthetically pleasing to its audience of French collectors and decorators, the type of scene depicted on the top of this etagere was the artist's rendition of their fantasy of life in China.
On this black lacquered etagere piece, this scene is rendered in beautiful gilding, and, as is common in chinoiserie designs, it is asymmetrical and fanciful in concept and execution.
This beautiful piece was made in the 20th Century.
For other interesting antiques and decorative arts, please visit d-vers.com by clicking here.
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