Chinoiserie
In 18th Century London the fashionable set embraced a new art form that represented a
romantic interpretation of the Orient through a European perspective. The finest cabinet
makers of the day fell under the spell of this art form that became popularly known as
Chinoiserie. Ownership of fine clocks and furniture decorated in Chinoiserie added
glamour to the home, inferring worldliness and sophistication.
Comitti Chinoiserie clocks are produced from solid cherry cabinets which are then
lacquered in either black, green, red or blue. Five layers are applied with light sanding
between coats. The surface is then pulled over and burnished to achieve a ‘piano’ finish.
Each Chinoiserie piece has a unique design created by the artist. The detail is marked out
and gesso applied and shaped by hand to create the three dimensional relief.
These areas
are then sized, the gold leaf is laid and then the artwork created using colours from the
artist’s pallet. Gold powders are used to create shading and ground work, and gold paint
for the line-work. Finally the artwork is sealed using gold size and polished by hand.
Inspired by the Orient but with a very British heritage.
