Chic Chinoiserie: Lacquer Panels Transformed into Tables

A Chinese 18th century black lacquer low table Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection Today we are sharing some of our recent acquisitions that all feature magnificent chinoiserie designs. Each of the tables includes an antique lacquer panel decorated in gilt highlights on a black ground that has been mounted as a table. Shown above is an …

Mackinnon’s Summer Lamps Catalogue Now Published

We launched our summer lamps catalogue this week, and are delighted to share it with you. Have a look at the catalogue on our website here. These lamps are the perfect complement to any interior: with a mix of both antique and modern examples, the following collection reflects timeless designs and styles.  Each of the …

Winding Back the Time… A Magnificent Japanned Clock

A Georgian Scarlet Japanned Eight Day Clock by Robert Wood Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection We are delighted to share this magnificent scarlet japanned eight day clock by the London clockmaker Robert Wood. A Georgian Scarlet Japanned Eight Day Clock by Robert Wood Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection The case is beautifully decorated with scarlet japanning and …

Celebrating Celadon: A Ceramic History

Celadon is a celebrated type of pottery that originated in Asia and is defined by its distinctive jade green glaze. Although the pottery comes from Asia, the term 'celadon' is European.  It is possible that the 17th century shepherd Celadon in Honoré d'Urfé's L'Astrée is linked to the origin of the term, as he was known for …

Ancient History: The Origin of Dogs of Foo

Dogs of Foo are guardian animals that originated in China and can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-211 CE).  These lion-like creatures were often placed at the entrances of palaces, temples, and homes to guard and protect.  Foo dogs are almost always shown in pairs, with one male and one female, to …

Brilliant Blue & Wonderful White: Chinese Porcelain

When it comes to design, there is no pairing more iconic than blue and white.  Today we are looking at the history of blue and white designs alongside examples of blue and white porcelain in our collection - click on the photographs to learn more about eaech piece. Blue and white decoration is synonymous with …

Meiji Masterpieces: Japanese Art & Design of the Meiji Period

The Meiji era began in 1868 with the restoration of imperial rule in Japan and lasted until the death of Emperor Meiji in 1912.  The period is associated with a rapid expansion in art forms, mediums, and styles.  Both European and Chinese culture influenced the art of the time—the presence of dragons on these vases …

A Highlight for Asian Art in London: A Pair of Chinese Famille Rose Vases

This year's Asian Art in London is coming to a close, and we wanted to share a very fine pair of Chinese famille rose baluster vases and covers that we have just acquired for the collection.  Each vase is elaborately decorated with pheasants in a rocky landscape with flowering peonies. Chinese famille-rose porcelain refers to …

A History of Japanning in England: The Origin of Japanning

We are continuing the discussion of the history of japanning in England today after beginning with an exploration of the lacquer trade last week. The novelty and rarity of the lacquer pieces from China and Japan sparked a desire to recreate these works in Europe. The English referred to their imitations of Asian lacquer as …

A History of Japanning in England: The Lacquer Trade

In honour of our winter exhibition, Looking East: Japanned Furniture of Georgian England, we thought it was the perfect time to look at the history of japanning.  We will share this information over three posts in the coming weeks to coincide with the exhibition. Any history of japanning must start with the lacquer trade. In July …