China Shelf, from Chippendale Drawings, Vol. II 1753

This pen and ink drawing by renowned English furniture maker Thomas Chippendale showcases his design for a "China Shelf," a type of cabinet for displaying porcelain. Dated 1753, this piece is part of Chippendale's influential "The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director," which popularized the Rococo style in England. The intricate details of the shelf, including the latticework and pagoda-like top, exemplify the refined and playful aesthetic of Chippendale's designs. This drawing demonstrates Chippendale’s talent for combining functional design with ornamental artistry, which solidified his position as a leading furniture designer of the 18th century.