Chinoiserie Shell Inlaid Nesting Tables

• Inlay - Decorative patterns inserted into the main body of a piece of furniture, generally in wood of contrasting colour and grain, though brass, ivory, ebony, shell and sometimes horn have been used. Inlay may consist of a panel of well figured timber inset into a cabinet door front, geometric patterns, or complex and stylized designs of flowers, swags of foliage, fruits and other motifs. As a general rule, in pieces where the carcase is constructed in the solid, the inlay is relatively simple such as stringing, cross banding and herringbone banding. Where more elaborate and decorative work was required veneer was used. Inlay has been fashionable from at least the latter half of the 17th century, when a variety of elaborate forms were developed
• Chinoiserie - Furniture and decorative items decorated in imitation of a Western interpretation of the Chinese style. The Chinoiserie style first became popular in the late 17th century, though there were frequent revivals, notably by Chippendale (hence 'Chinese Chippendale') during the Regency period, and the Anglo-Japanese style in the second half of the 19th century.
  
  The ubiquitous 'willow pattern' is the most common 'Chinese' theme used in porcelain, while on furniture the Chinoiserie style usually has black or red painted and lacquered decoration, though the hallmark of the furniture style is the use of fretwork in geometrical patterns, pagodas and other decorative forms.
  
  Japonaiseries, as the name implies, are motifs in imitation of the Japanese taste.
  
  See also "Chinese Chippendale".
• Greek Key Pattern - The Greek key pattern is a decorative design that consists of continuous interlocking vertical and right-angled lines that form a repeating motif. It is also known as "Meander" or "Greek fret." The pattern is thought to have originated in ancient Greece, where it was used in various decorative arts, such as pottery, metalwork, and architectural elements. The Greek key design is widely used in a variety of contexts, including classical architecture, decorative arts, furniture, interior design and textiles. The pattern is considered timeless and classic, and its geometric simplicity makes it a popular choice for designers in many different fields.
• Greek Key - Moulding, found around cornices and sometimes tables, in the familiar Greek key pattern. The pattern was commonly used as brass inlay in furniture of the classical revival period

This item has been included into following indexes:

• furniture, material or decoration - lacquered 259
• furniture, period or style - Chinoiserie 269
• tables, period or style - Chinoiserie 54
• tables, purpose or type - nests of / quartetto 134