Chinese Sopha [Sofa], in Chippendale Drawings, Vol. I 1754

This pen-and-ink drawing by Thomas Chippendale, dating from 1754, is a design for a “Chinese Sopha.” The design for the elaborate, canopy-covered sofa reflects the Rococo style popular in England in the mid-18th century. Chippendale’s "Chinese Sopha" features a curvilinear framework and floral ornamentation, a testament to the Chinoiserie fashion of the time, which incorporated influences from Asian art and culture. The drawing's detailed renderings are indicative of Chippendale's meticulous approach to furniture design, providing a detailed guide for constructing the sofa. This drawing demonstrates a trend that would influence furniture design for decades to come.