Corner in European varnish in imitation of Japanese lacquers

Corner in European varnish in imitation of Japanese lacquers. It opens with a large arched door, rests on two square feet and a central foot in the form of a brace.
The central panel is decorated with a scene representing three Chinese in a landscape. The perimeter of the door is decorated with flowers and foliage.

Manufactured in the Far East since Antiquity, lacquers arrived in Europe from the 16th century and especially from the 17th century. Screens, cabinets make the reputation of prestigious collections. The demand will however become more and more important among the well-to-do segments of the population. The prices remaining high, an alternative was offered: varnish. The first varnishers are known from 1670, some of them are well known to us: the Langlois, and especially the Martin whose name will remain attached to this technique.
Much less expensive than imported lacquers, varnish makes it possible to adapt the decor to the shape and to use a symmetry that does not exist in oriental lacquers. Chinoiserie being fashionable throughout the 18th century, varnishers adapted and their compositions were enriched with "Chinese" characters and to imitate lacquers even better, the perspectives became chinese.
Veined marble top.
2nd half of the 18th century
parisian work - perfect condition extremely rare for this sort of work