Twee fauteuils 1885 - 1895

Here we see two designs for armchairs, printed on paper by Léon Laroche, under the title "Small Fantasy Armchairs: Lacquered Wood". This print reflects the 19th-century European fascination with East Asia, known as "Chinoiserie" and "Japonism." The chairs, labeled "Chinese" and "Japanese," are imagined fusions of European furniture forms with Asian decorative motifs. We see the appropriation of cultural symbols, such as painted scenes and lacquered finishes, to create exotic, luxurious items for the European market. Consider the social context: Europe's colonial expansion and trade with Asia fueled both the interest in and the misrepresentation of Asian cultures. Prints like these, published by "Le Garde-Meuble," shaped consumer tastes and perpetuated stereotypes. Art historical research into trade records, design publications, and colonial histories can reveal the complex power dynamics embedded in these seemingly innocent designs. Understanding these objects requires us to investigate their role in a larger network of cultural exchange and domination.