Japanned side chair c. 1760th century

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This anonymous side chair from the 1760s showcases the popularity of "japanned" furniture during the 18th century. The black lacquered finish, adorned with gold and colorful floral motifs, is reminiscent of the East Asian lacquerware that was highly sought after in Europe at the time. The chair's cabriole legs, a signature design element of the Rococo period, add a touch of elegance to this functional piece of furniture. The "japanned" style, characterized by its black lacquer and decorative details, was widely embraced for its exotic appeal and its ability to transform ordinary objects into luxurious statements.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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With its finely carved shell and carved (rather than lathe-turned) stiles, this chair would have been labor-intensive and hence, was most likely made for a wealthy household. It is not surprising therefore, that this chair was once owned by Levi Lincoln, a prominent statesman who served as Governor of Massachusetts from 1808-1809. His descendent, Mrs. Huntington Brown, brought the chair with her to Minneapolis in the early 20th century. Rounded stiles are found on classical Chinese furniture (see the Ming dynasty armchairs on view in Gallery 218), which indicates the owner's taste for the "oriental." Nearly one hundred years after this chair was made, a later owner had its original wood finish enhanced with "japanned" decoration, so named for its resemblance to Japanese lacquer.