All is Merry and Bright

The season of light, shining hopefully at the end of a long year, cutting through the darkness with a brilliant shine. A time to gather with family and friends, reflecting on the past, and looking forward to a brighter tomorrow.

Let it snow with the Aspen Mirror from Bungalow 5.

The stunning Grand Tour Mirrored Bed by Century Furniture. Silver leaf and inlaid antique mirror.

Mercury Glass Vases from Pottery Barn. Recreating a process from the 19th c., with silver sealed between double layers of glass.

The sweetest of vintage ornaments, circa 1900-1960. At Flessas Design, available through 1stdibs.

The Emerson 8-Leg Console Table with antique mirror, double-bead stretcher, by Belle Meade Signature.

The Cloisonne Christmas Tree Topiary Napkin Holder from Dransfield & Ross.

Hitting a mid-mod homerun, the Orbit Wreath, created using retro-look ornaments from CB2.

May the glow of this holiday season surround you, and those who are dear to you, with great joy, abundance, peace and prosperity.

Chinoiserie

Chinoiserie; a French term, meaning "Chinese-esque", reflecting Chinese artistic influences, it is characterized by the use of fanciful imagery of an imaginary China. It is generally asymmetrical and has contrasts of scale. In order to err on the side of brevity, furnishings get the spotlight today, but chinoiserie is found in fabrics, wallcoverings, lighting, accessories and tableware.

The surprising contrast of the mid-century lines of this 1950's Italian buffet with a chinoiserie center panel. Available at Gary Rubinstein Antiques through 1st dibs.

Technically not chinoiserie, but displaying a more modern vibe, the Diana Credenza by Jean de Merry.

With beautiful fretwork about the legs and feet, and lovingly hand-applied decoration after a circa 1690 original, the Chinoiserie Cabinet on Stand by Elijah Slocum.

After a late 16th c. Kakeban style tray table, the elegantly simple Chow Table from Erica Brunson, with tete d'negre crackled lacquer finish.

Asian fusion with raised decoration and hand-tooled leather writing surface, the Waxed Chinoiserie Desk by Century Furniture.

An extraordinary, truly one of a kind example is the Regency Chinoiserie Cabinet, circa 1820's England. Both the interior and exterior are pictured, as the example of both polychrome and monochrome penwork is exceptional. Available at Kentshire Galleries, Ltd.