Japanese lacquer has been recognised in Europe as the best of all Asian lacquers since the seventeenth century, and in the eighteenth century it was much used to decorate furniture in France and elsewhere. Paris marchands-merciers and ébénistes clearly had no respect for the integrity of pieces, as we would have now, and created some delightful furniture with chopped-up pieces of lacquer. This subject was first discussed by the FHS at a memorable symposium in 1988, and continues to amuse us today.

John Whitehead is a dealer in French eighteenth century decorative arts, with an emphasis on Sèvres porcelain. He is the author of ‘The French Interior in the Eighteenth Century’ (1992) and two books on eighteenth century Sèvres porcelain (2010). With Oliver Impey, he has written on Japanese lacquer and French furniture, including the entry in the Beckford exhibition catalogue.

Commode decorated with Japanese lacquer made by Martin Carlin and delivered by Simon-Philippe Poirier to Madame du Barry for Versailles in 1773. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.