Chippendalism

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Chippendale \Chip"pen*dale\, a.
     Designating furniture designed, or like that designed, by
     Thomas Chippendale, an English cabinetmaker of the 18th
     century. Chippendale furniture was generally of simple but
     graceful outline with delicately carved rococo ornamentation,
     sculptured either in the solid wood or, in the cheaper


     specimens, separately and glued on. In the more elaborate
     pieces three types are recognized: {French Chippendale},
     having much detail, like Louis Quatorze and Louis Quinze;
     {Chinese Chippendale}, marked by latticework and pagodalike
     pediments; and {Gothic Chippendale}, attempting to adapt
     medieval details. The forms, as of the cabriole and
     chairbacks, often resemble Queen Anne. In chairs, the seat is
     widened at the front, and the back toward the top widened and
     bent backward, except in Chinese Chippendale, in which the
     backs are usually rectangular. -- {Chip"pen*dal*ism}, n.
     [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  
           It must be clearly and unmistakably understood, then,
           that, whenever painted (that is to say, decorated with
           painted enrichment) or inlaid furniture is described as
           Chippendale, no matter where or by whom, it is a
           million chances to one that the description is
           incorrect.                               --R. D. Benn.
     [Webster 1913 Suppl.]